1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health problems every year. This week (10th-17th May) is mental health awareness week and the chosen theme this year is nature. The Mental Health Awareness Foundation want to raise awareness for the role that nature can play in preventing distress and creating good mental health. At District Eating we want to support people with mental health problems by providing spaces, training, and encouragement for growers. We also aim for our community work to contribute to bettering mental health by giving people the opportunity to spend more time with nature.
The pandemic has been a particular trigger for the UK turning to nature, with ‘walking outside’ being voted as one of the top coping strategies. It has also been reported that not only were people spending more time than usual outside during lockdowns, but they were also noticing nature more. Green spaces have displayed their importance during the pandemic with 45% of people stating that they have been vital for their mental health. Green spaces are a simple way to bring nature into your everyday and have seen a rise of 25% over the last 6 years. There is a particular push, following the pandemic, for more green spaces with the realisation just how much these areas can have an impact on people’s mental health and well-being.
Gardening has proven to be a particularly effective way to connect with nature. Dr Chalmin-Pui, from the University of Sheffield, studies social engagement with nature and specifically, the socio-cultural value of urban nature. She stated gardening is like effortless exercise because it does not feel as strenuous as going to the gym, for example, but we can expend similar amounts of energy.” Gardening is a relaxing activity but can also provide a real sense of achievement which can boost confidence and self-esteem.
At District Eating our plans to create sites for growers and communities will be an amazing way to provide an area for people to connect with nature. Whether it is a greenhouse or vertical farm, teaching people and bringing people together through nature is a great way to create larger support bubbles and to feel part of something.
Connecting with nature does not have to be climbing a mountain or re-landscaping your garden. Here are some simple ways to connect with nature to improve your mental health from the Mental Health Foundation:
- Visit a park, a green space, or a blue space (beaches, rivers, lakes).
- Spend some time watching nature’s activities outside from your window.
- Plant a flower or some vegetables outside.
- Look after a houseplant.
- Get a bird feeder.
- Watch programmes on nature or wildlife webcams (during the pandemic websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%!).
- Take your exercise outside.
- Take a moment to connect to nature using all your senses.
If you feel that your mental health is suffering, there are people who are here to help:
Samaritans – To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 or email jo@smaritans.org.
The Mix – If you are under 25 and need to talk to somebody, call 0808 808 4994 or use their text messenger service.
CALM – If you identify as male and would like to talk to somebody about your mental health, call 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm – Midnight. They also have a webchat service available.
For more information on types of mental health, mental health treatments, urgent help, and campaigns, visit the mind website.
