A shipping container equipped with three mobile flotation tanks is headed to Maui, Hawaii, aiming to alleviate the mental health crisis following the devastating wildfires—the deadliest in U.S. history. While flotation tanks are typically associated with high-end spas, they offer significant promise in treating anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If the initial deployment proves beneficial, additional units could be dispatched to disaster areas worldwide.

In August 2023, a series of wildfires erupted in Maui, resulting in the tragic loss of 102 lives and the destruction of countless homes and businesses. Since then, there has been an alarming rise in the risk of depression and anxiety, with increased concerns regarding PTSD in the hardest-hit areas.

“Maui lacks the necessary infrastructure to tackle a mental health crisis of this scale,” says Justin Feinstein, a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to mental health solutions. “Many individuals are resorting to self-medication. We are witnessing a sharp increase in alcohol consumption, suicidal tendencies, and PTSD cases.”

On May 2nd, Feinstein revealed at the Embodied Mind Summit in Los Angeles that the float unit would provide complimentary sessions for first responders and wildfire survivors, while also gathering long-term data on the efficacy of floatation therapy as a mental health intervention.

Float therapy, or Float-REST (Environmental Stimulus Reduction Therapy), involves lying in a serene pool infused with Epsom salts that allow for effortless floating. The water and air are maintained at body temperature, earplugs minimize noise, and lights are turned off to create an environment free from sensory distractions.

This innovative tank was conceived by neuroscientists in the 1950s to investigate whether the brain requires sensory input to maintain consciousness. The findings indicated that individuals remained aware but reported a profound sense of relaxation.

Feinstein has dedicated over a decade to researching the mental and physical impacts of flotation therapy. His studies suggest that it can significantly reduce anxiety in both volunteers without prior mental health conditions and those suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. Feinstein notes that its calming effects are comparable to those of benzodiazepines, a common class of sedative.

While the precise mechanisms are still being explored, buoyancy is believed to aid in diminishing sensory input and limiting movement, promoting a tranquil state for both body and mind. Studies indicate that within moments of floating, breathing patterns and heart rates decrease, blood pressure drops, and brain activity transitions away from self-referential thinking toward restorative, sleep-like states.

Having resided in Maui since 2020, Feinstein collaborated with Floataway, a UK-based company, to develop a cost-effective, modular float pod that can be easily assembled in a matter of days. The Maui Calm Project aims to deploy these tanks in the region this summer, with the hope of establishing a network of portable floatation units to combat PTSD in disaster-stricken areas.

Sarah Garfinkel, a professor at University College London who examines the physiological basis of PTSD, emphasizes the importance of a relaxing approach in treating this condition. “Hyperarousal is a fundamental aspect of PTSD, often leading to heightened physical responses,” she states. “Floating seems to cultivate a sense of internal safety, which could radically shift our understanding and treatment methods for PTSD. I am truly excited about this research.”

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the British Samaritans at 116123 (samaritans.org) or the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (988lifeline.org). For services in other countries, visit bit.ly/SuicideHelplines.