Wood, Carly and Wicks, Claire and Barton, Jo (2023) Green spaces for mental disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 36 (1). pp. 41-46. DOI https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000830
Wood, Carly and Wicks, Claire and Barton, Jo (2023) Green spaces for mental disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 36 (1). pp. 41-46. DOI https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000830
Wood, Carly and Wicks, Claire and Barton, Jo (2023) Green spaces for mental disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 36 (1). pp. 41-46. DOI https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000830
Abstract
Purpose of review Mental illness is a global challenge, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Research suggests access to local green spaces is associated with better mental health, yet access is not always equitable. Evaluation of how nature-based interventions protect and support mental health is therefore required. Recent findings Accessible local green spaces are associated with better mental health. They encourage active behaviours and social interaction, reduce loneliness and stress. Green views from the home are associated with increased self-esteem, life satisfaction and happiness and reduced depression, anxiety and loneliness. Nature-based interventions and green social prescriptions effectively target vulnerable groups, resulting in significant reductions in depression, anxiety and anger alongside positive mental health outcomes. Summary Although existing evidence is encouraging, robust, high-quality research that strengthens the evidence base and informs future clinical practice and policy decision making is needed. Evidence of the long-term effectiveness in individuals with diagnosed mental illness is also required to ascertain the potential social and wider returns on investment. Barriers to use of green social prescriptions like mental health symptoms and geographical accessibility need to be overcome to increase accessibility and uptake of green social prescriptions for the prevention and treatment of mental illness.
Item Type: | Article |
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Uncontrolled Keywords: | green social prescribing , green space , mental health , nature-based interventions , wellbeing |
Divisions: | Faculty of Science and Health Faculty of Science and Health > Health and Social Care, School of Faculty of Science and Health > Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, School of |
SWORD Depositor: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Date Deposited: | 04 Jan 2023 12:00 |
Last Modified: | 07 Aug 2024 20:12 |
URI: | http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/33673 |
Available files
Filename: accepted version.pdf