Surfing as Therapy: Young Woman Finds Relief from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Mental Health Challenges

A young Australian surfer, Montana Tagg, has found an unexpected treatment for her Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and mental health challenges: surfing. Diagnosed with EDS type three, Montana experiences chronic pain and subluxations. "It causes me chronic pain all the time," she shares in the ABC News video. However, surfing has become a powerful tool for managing both her physical and mental health. "Doing things like surfing really helps," she explains. Her story is supported by research from Deakin University. Associate Professor Lisa Olive reports that a study showed children participating in a six-week surf therapy program experienced improvements in depression, anxiety, and inattention. Montana's father, Brendan Tagg, notes the positive change in his daughter, saying, "She keeps telling me she wants to go surfing." Montana’s journey is a testament to the potential of alternative therapies and the importance of finding activities that promote both physical and mental well-being.