GREEN EXERCISE and Depression 

In their new report "Ecotherapy - the Green Agenda for Mental Health", the charity Mind calls for a new green agenda for mental health, following growing evidence in support of an accessible, cost-effective and natural addition to existing treatment options for depression - ecotherapy.

Background
With this report Mind calls for a new green agenda for mental health, following growing evidence in support of an accessible, cost-effective and natural addition to existing treatment options – ecotherapy. Ecotherapy is a natural, free and accessible
treatment that boosts our mental wellbeing. Whether it’s a horticultural development programme supervised by a therapist or a simple walk in the park, being outdoors and being active is proven to benefit our mental health.

As the cost and prescribing of drugs continues to rise, and 93 per cent of GPs say they have prescribed antidepressants against their better judgement owing to a lack of alternatives, ecotherapy needs to be seen as a clinically valid option that can play a vital part in patients’ recovery.

Three of the Government’s six key priorities set out in the recent Public Health White Paper were to increase exercise, improve mental health and reduce obesity – we believe that implementing this green agenda would go some way to achieving all three.
To view the report in full or to see the data from the University of Essex, go to:
www.mind.org.uk/mindweek

Key findings:
Mind has commissioned two studies from the University of Essex, the results of which are published in the report. These studies confirm that participating in green exercise activities provides substantial benefits for health and wellbeing.

Green exercise at local Mind groups
For the first study, 108 people involved in green exercise activities with local Mind groups were surveyed. The activities included gardening projects (52 per cent), walking groups (37 per cent), conservation work (7 per cent), running (3 per cent)
and cycling groups (1 per cent).

• 90 per cent of people who took part in Mind green exercise activities said that the combination of nature and exercise is most important in determining how they feel.

• 94 per cent of people commented that green exercise activities had benefited their mental health. Some of their comments included:
“I feel better about myself and have a sense of achievement.”
“I am more relaxed, have better focus of mind, greater coordination and greater self-esteem.”
“It improves my depression, helps me be more motivated and gives me satisfaction in doing things. Since starting the project I have been able to improve on my quality of life. Coming here has helped me overcome most of my problems.”

• 90 per cent of those surveyed commented that taking part in green exercise activities had benefited their physical health. Comments included:
“My fitness has improved, I feel refreshed and alive.”
“I feel as though I can do things without being tired. I am more active, I want to join in things and my body is looser and more agile.”

Download the full report here: www.mind.org.uk/mindweek