The Power of Saltwater Therapy, Community, and a Ridiculously Good Time with Grant Trebilco

Grant Trebilco, battled with mental health challenges for years without seeking treatment, and was hospitalized in 2012, diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a manic episode. The ocean, surfing and good people were Grant’s lifelines through tough times after he was released from the hospital.After hiding his mental health challenges for years, he decided it was time to start talking and sharing his experience with others. He thought to himself, “Maybe if I share the simple recipe of saltwater therapy, surfing and the idea that it’s ok not to be ok, I can prevent people from ever feeling the way I did”. So one Friday morning he decided to dress up in a shirt and tie and go surfing at Bondi Beach in Sydney. That session became known as the first Fluro Friday, where everyone shows up at Bondi to surf in wacky fluorescent clothing, which led to the founding of his non-profit organization called One Wave. Flash forward and Grant and the team haven't missed a Fluro Friday in over ten years, they’ve expanded their program into schools and workplaces, and have led sessions at 200 beaches across 50 countries around the world.In this episode, Grant and I talked about how surfing helped him navigate his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. We get into the mission of One Wave, their programs, and the techniques they use to destigmatize mental health. Even if you don’t surf, or never will, you’ll come away from this convo with tools at your fingertips to help you check in with friends, family, and coworkers who might be having a tough go at life.Enjoy the ride,JeffEpisode LinksKids Helpline Australia 1800 55 1800988 Suicide Crisis & Lifeline United States dial 988 if you need helpOne Wave websiteOnewaveisallittakes on InstagramGranttrebilco on InstagramWild Ideas Worth Living an REI Co-Op Studios podcast hosted by Shelby StangerIs Someone You Love Suffering in Silence? Here’s What to Do. TED Talk by Gus WorlandConnect with Nature JunkieIf anything in this episode was helpful or stoked you out, please hit the share button and tell a friend, leave an awesome review, or comment so we can bend the algorithms toward nature. Thanks!Instagram: @naturejunkieradioWebsite: www.naturejunkielife.comNewsletter: Sign Up HereEmail: [email protected] CreditsPodcast cover art by Ahab NimryOutro music by Tyler JohnsonEditing by Aashish M.