The Scuba Gym Australia is passionate about bringing the joy and proven healing power of scuba to people with disabilities. We change the lives of people with PTSD, autism, paraplegia, quadriplegia, traumatic brain injury and other disabilities. We give disabled divers access to a physical activity that brings them joy, freedom from pain, and something they can enjoy with friends and family.
Scuba diving provides a unique environment with many therapeutic effects that can’t be replicated on land. If I can breathe underwater, what else is possible? This is huge for all divers and especially those with PTSD or, amputees with the will to do more than ever.
Our divers also tell us the mental benefits of scuba, the silent world gives them a chance to focus and just breathe. The weightlessness of being underwater can relieve physical pain. There is ample worldwide research backing the benefits of scuba diving for people with PTSD, amputees and disabled.
We believe that “together we are stronger” and surround disabled divers with a team or support system. PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder is a major cause of suicide for veterans – one Australian veteran loses their battle almost every day. Feeling very isolated and have trouble communicating what they’re going through, or engaging the community. Through our program, disabled divers meet people with similar problems and work through them together. We also provide training to get loved-ones involved, as divers, gear handlers, or whatever role they want to play.