Seeking Happiness and Health in Nature - Using Ecotherapy to Treat Depression

Spending time outdoors amid nature is a great way to unwind. Being in unison with nature comes

with a lot of benefits that include happiness, health, and peace of mind. Enjoying the benefits of

nature thus also helps keep depression at bay. According to a 2013 study by researchers from

the University of Essex, being in the midst of nature helps us fight depression, improve our mental

health and well-being.

Known as Green Therapy, or Ecotherapy, nature’s bounty is now even being utilized to cure

mental conditions, particularly depression. The study, which was published by the mental health

organization Mind, says that taking a walk out in nature is known to reduce depression by 71

percent in people.

How Ecotherapy

helps in depression

The researchers

conducted the study

with two groups –

one group was

asked to walk in

nature, while the

controlled group

was asked to take a

walk in a shopping

center. Only 45

percent of the

people of the

controlled group

who walked in the

shopping center had

reduced depression, while 22 percent experienced more depression.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said, “Our research shows people commissioning mental

health services and social care that a holistic treatment like Ecotherapy delivers not only health

benefits but wider social benefits and cost savings that medication could not.”

Mind, which has funded several programs that promote activities like gardening and

environmental conservation work, believes that such therapies can make a huge difference in

addressing mental health of people. They found that almost 69 percent people have enjoyed a

sense of wellbeing after participating in such nature activities.

Let us look at the ways nature can actually make us feel better, making us happier and healthier:

Living near trees is linked to happiness and health

Living in an area which has more trees can actually contribute to happiness and both physical and

mental health. This may be due to the reason that more trees mean lesser pollution, people

getting out to exercise, and trees calming people.

Living close to nature boosts creativity

Taking a walk in the park has resolved more issues than scratching the head for solutions in the

cubicle. When people walk, solutions to various problems tend to come, which shows that

spending time in nature boosts creativity in people. When creativity is unleashed, people loosen

up and become less anxious.

Spending time in nature improves energy

There are various studies that have established that walking, exercising and other physical

activities in the open result in heightened energy level. According to a series of experiments

published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, even taking a 15-minute walk in nature or

visualizing about nature provides instant energy to participants. If just imagining about nature

can have positive results, spending time in nature will do wonders for sure.

Treating depression and improving mental conditions are the most beneficial outcomes of

Ecotherapy. Another recent study by Stanford University also revealed that spending time in

nature could be an effective prescription for certain mental health conditions. Therefore, not just

patients, but everyone should be encouraged to spend time in nature for health and happiness.

If you or a loved one is fighting depression, help is around. Call the Florida Depression Helpline

to find out more about depression rehab centers in Florida. Getting depression help in Florida

is just a call away as our experts can be approached anytime at the 24/7 helpline number 866-

267-5177. They can guide you to the best depression treatment available in your area.

For more information please visit

www.floridadepressionhelpline.com