3. Water

Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the UK, with nearly a fifth of people experiencing it over the course of a year.

Although it is often treated through medication, there are many alternative ways which are proving to be very effective in reducing anxiety amongst some people.

This series explores how connecting with the elemental forces of nature helps people with a range of mental illnesses to feel better.

We also learn about the current academic research behind these methods.

Listen in on a group of socially prescribed outdoor swimmers on Teignmouth Beach in Devon.

They find joy by immersing themselves in cold water.

And discover why spending time around blue spaces is so effective at promoting a sense of calm from Dr Catherine Kelly of the University of Brighton.

Produced and presented by Helen Needham

Research by Anna Miles and Maud Start
Original Music by Anthony Cowie
Mixed by Ron McCaskill

A BBC Scotland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2023.