News / UWE Bristol
Exposure to green space key to preventing anxiety and depression
The benefits of green space on health and wellbeing have been solidified by the latest research from UWE Bristol.
With the mental health of young people a growing concern, especially in the midst of the pandemic, the study sought to explore the role exposure to nature can play in helping to reduce anxiety levels and depression in 14 to 24-year-olds living in urban settings.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust as part of its Mental Health Programme and Active Ingredients Commission, researchers reviewed a wide range of scientific studies and spoke to young people with lived experiences of anxiety and depression to formulate their conclusions.
is needed now More than ever
Findings suggested that being in green spaces created ‘effortless mindfulness’; allowing people to have a break from distractions of modern life, such as noise, traffic and social media, which are known to increase feelings of anger and anxiety.
Researchers found that stress and anxiety levels in young people are reduced by between 14 per cent and 19 per cent after a 15-minute walk in an urban park, compared to one on a street with traffic, while a 15-minute walk in a forest was found to reduce anxiety by 23 per cent to 31 per cent.
Furthermore, young people who have high levels of vegetation within 500 metres of their home have a reduced risk of depression and anxiety.
Despite the numerous benefits, the study found a tendency among young people to underestimate the mental health benefits of their local green spaces, meaning many do not engage in behaviours that could improve their mood and wellbeing.
UWE Bristol researcher Dr Issy Bray said the mental health of young people is a serious concern, especially as the country faces a third national lockdown.
“The 14 to 24 age group, which we focused on in this study, is particularly important as it is a formative period which spans both childhood and adulthood and is when many mental health conditions begin,” explained Bray.
“The findings will be useful in supporting young people to look after and improve their mental health; encouraging more people to utilise their local green spaces, especially during this difficult winter period. The findings also provide increasing evidence of the benefits of green spaces, helping communities and local authorities to promote and protect their local parks and natural areas.’’
A 15-minute walk in a park can reduce anxiety and stress levels by 19 per cent – photo by Ellie Pipe
As well as providing time away from the pressures of everyday life and an opportunity to engage with nature, green spaces also enable social interaction and encourage physical activity, both of which are known to prevent depression.
The researchers behind the study have teamed up with the Mental Elf to communicate their findings over the coming weeks via blogs, podcasts, videos and the hashtag #ActiveIngredientsMH.
The full academic review paper is due to be published in Spring 2021.
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
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