Walking in the countryside helps treat depression

A new study found walking on the green roads in the countryside will help eliminate feelings of anxiety and sadness and bring high spiritual benefits.

(Photo: Xinhua) The Mind of Health charity in the UK said that instead of relying solely on medicine, people should get ecological therapy. "Green treatment" includes walking, kite-flying and gardening, and should be considered a leading measure of mental health issues.

The study called "Ecotherapy: the Green Agenda for Mental Health" for the first time examined the effectiveness of "green treatment" in maintaining mental health. Researchers at Essex University have taken 20 members of the charity for a 30-minute stroll in a suburban park or at a shopping center. After walking outdoors, 90% felt increased self-esteem, while 71% felt less stressed and anxious.

People who travel in shopping centers do not get such results. Only 45% reduced depression, while 22% said they were even more burdensome.

Mind Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind Paul, said that ecological therapy does not completely replace drugs but needs to be expanded. The organization also called for the establishment of nursing farms where patients can do farm work to treat depression.

MT