NATURE AND MENTAL HEALTH
It’s been suggested that spending more time in nature could be an effective form of stress management and even help more severe mental health problems. But what’s the evidence behind this theory? And how does ‘ecotherapy’ compare to more conventional treatments?
Paul, 62, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety and agoraphobia. About ten years ago he moved to Cheshire to live in a greener area. Since then he has been caring for hens freed from battery farms, re-homed via the British Hen Welfare Trust.
Paul promotes ecotherapy as a patient representative for the mental health charity Mind. He explains that nature is not part of a routine for him in the same way as medication.
Paul says that going round nature trails and parks on his motorised scooter and even just sitting in his garden have been his lifeline.
“My mood swings drop. Nothing brings me closer to having what I call a fantastic day, where I can go to bed at night and be relaxed, than being in nature. [I notice] how my mind becomes, and how fresh the air smells.”
No quick fix
Liz Woollard, 54, works as a yoga teacher in Cornwall and also volunteers as an ecotherapy advocate for Mind. She has had a diagnosis of a severe anxiety disorder, and has lived with depression for 30 years. Liz walks by the sea for her mental health, as well as taking medication.
Like Paul, Liz says spending time outside isn’t always the right medicine.
“It is often completely overwhelming for me to even step outside the door. At other times, I can’t face leaving home at all. Even going to post a letter can be overwhelming. I find that those who have no personal experience of mental ill health have no conception of how hard this can be.
“To some, including me, the phrase ‘get outside in the fresh air’ is akin to ‘pull yourself together’ and the concept that your illness is not real. Ecotherapy is useful, but should be thought of as another tool in the toolbox, rather than a standalone treatment.”
The challenges of ecotherapy
But, like Paul and Liz, he acknowledges access to green space is not the only thing that can make it difficult for patients to pursue, or for doctors to prescribe.
“Many of us with mental health problems face barriers that may make connecting with nature difficult. For example, you may feel low and unmotivated, become tired easily due to physical health problems, or be unused to spending time in green spaces and find it uncomfortable.
“For those of us with severe mental health problems, ecotherapy should be combined with other treatment options such as talking therapy, medication or additional lifestyle changes. Finding balance between spending time in nature or ecotherapy and these other options is a good conversation to have with your GP.”