CW: This content contains reference to topics such as depression and mental health disorders which could be distressing to some readers.
Spending time in nature and going on walks can sometimes feel like a mundane task, but it may be more important that we think. Being surrounded by greenery can ‘improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress or anger,’ and reduce the all-consuming emotion of loneliness. Nature is healing to us.
Valeriia Miller (pexels.com)
Sertraline or Going Outside?
The number of people struggling with mental health disorders is drastically increasing. In the last decade, ‘there has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions.’ More and more people are suffering without the correct help they need and ‘most people do not have access to effective care.’ Although exercising and spend time outdoors is not going to magically heal anyone and free them of depression, it can aid in making one feel better. There is a power in nature that can relieve moments where one may feel anxious or overwhelmed with sadness. Research shows ‘stress is relieved within minutes of exposure to nature as measured by muscle tension, blood pressure, and brain activity…Nature also boosts endorphin levels and dopamine production, which promotes happiness.’ For many, spending time in greenery can act as an antidepressant or an antistress medicine; it can be particularly freeing and reduce cortisol levels significantly. Despite this, it is not the same for each person and some can enjoy nature whilst simultaneously being on medication for their mental health disorder.
Vitamin D Plays a Role
In countries where we see the sun less, some people may develop ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)’, or otherwise known as “Seasonal Depression.” Some of the typical symptoms of SAD are ‘lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, losing interest in sex,’ and feelings of anxiousness. But is there a link between vitamin D and depression? Well, research shows ‘many people who have depression also have low circulating levels of vitamin D in their blood,’ and the two may be related. Additionally, research shows ‘Vitamin D deficiency leads to both medical and psychosocial problems.’
Ultimately, both being outside in nature and maintaining vitamin D levels may aid in soothing some stress or emotions of sadness, and ‘increase pleasant feelings.’