Green prescriptions can undermine the benefits of spending time in nature

It is believed that spending time in nature helps people’s mental health. However, new research suggests that giving a formal “green prescription” to people with existing mental health conditions can undermine some benefits.

An international research team led by the University of Exeter and published in a journal Science reportInvestigated whether contact with nature could help people Mental health issues, To manage symptoms such as depression and anxiety. They have found that nature is associated with many interests for these individuals, but only if they choose to visit these places on their own.

The research team collected data from more than 18,000 people in 18 countries as part of the Blue Health project funded by EU Collection 2020. The main purpose was to understand why people are motivated to spend time in nature, how often they visit, and how. Social pressure Affect their emotional experience during the visit.

The findings suggest that while the pressure of spending time outdoors can facilitate visits, it can undermine the potential emotional and well-being benefits of contact with nature.

Common mental health problems are a major cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 17% of the world’s population each year. There is evidence that some people with these problems use nature as part of their self-management of their symptoms, but how prevalent this is, or the more formal “green” from medical professionals. We still didn’t know much about whether it was a “prescription” or not. Spending time in nature can help with management and potentially recovery.

The research team was surprised that people with depression visit nature as often as people who are no longer mentally ill, while those with anxiety visit nature quite often. Overall, both groups also reported that they tended to feel happy and less anxious during these visits.

However, if the visit is not selected, the benefits of nature seem to be undermined. Perhaps the greater the pressure people feel to visit nature by well-meaning people, the fewer unmotivated people and they felt more anxious.

The study was led by Dr. Michelle Tester Jones of the University of Exeter. She states: “These findings are consistent with a wide range of studies that suggest that the natural environment of the city provides space for people to relax and recover from stress. However, healthcare professionals and loved ones are natural. It also shows that you must be sensitive when recommending time in. If you have depression or anxiety. Encourage people to spend more time in places they already visit and enjoy. May help them feel comfortable and make the most of their experience.

The authors have careful techniques for discussing that their dissertation is naturally accessible as a means of self-management or support management for people with mental illness, these programs to provide the best support to their clients. We believe it provides evidence that it needs to be integrated into.

Dr. Matthew White of the University of Exeter and the University of Vienna, who coordinated the international research team, added: “I didn’t know how much people with depression or anxiety were already using. natural Settings that help relieve symptoms and manage their condition. Our results further clarify the value of these locations for communities around the world, but also remind us that nature is not a silver bullet and needs to be carefully integrated with existing treatment options. “

Dr. Anoyala, a research team member at the Finnish Institute for Natural Resources (Luke), said: “This result facilitates further research in the clinical setting, as well as how to integrate natural visits into the mind. health processing. “

Dr. Gregory Bratman, co-author of the University of Washington, said: Essential motive Take into account the benefits of nature visits and the relevance of integrating this consideration into an effective green formula. “

Associate Professor Matilda Bandenbosch of the University of British Columbia said: “As with any intervention, in the case of green prescriptions, it is important to avoid the pressure to achieve treatment compliance. Nature cannot force anyone, but it must be provided at the individual pace and will. “

The full title of the study is “Natural Experiences for the General People” mental health Disability: Results of Cross-Study in 18 Countries ”, published in the journal Science report..