Nature Walks Could Help Prevent A Depression Pandemic

Last year, researchers at the Boston School of Public Health published a study that demonstrated the Covid lockdowns caused a threefold surge in the number of people struggling with depression. Low-income families have been hit the hardest.

The financial stress caused by the lockdowns has continued with the increase in living costs and surging energy prices. Covid lockdowns have been described as “the biggest public health mistake we’ve ever made.” 

The statistics would agree. The World Health Organisation reports a 25% increase in cases of depression. Director-General of the organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked, “This is a wake-up call to all countries to pay more attention to mental health and do a better job of supporting their populations’ mental health.”

But the pandemic was the trigger that revealed a growing problem even before the pandemic. 

Teenage Depression

Being a teenager is some of the most difficult years we face in our lives. During this time, we are trying to understand the world and wondering where we fit in. Common concerns are whether people like us and whether we will achieve the school grades we need to secure a well-paid job. It’s a high-intensity, stressful period in life. 

Stress is exacerbated in a world that reflects a pessimistic outlook on the future. With a failing economy, many teenagers have concerns about finding a job or being able to support themselves outside the family home. 

When young adults are subjected to these kinds of mental pressure, the psychological damage can have a lasting impact. Early signs of mental health in teenagers include acting out, aggressive behaviour, restlessness and lack of motivation. In severe cases, self-harm and suicide surface. In 2022, “suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S.”

Mental Health Solutions 

Specialists say that addressing signs of mental health at the onset can help prevent a lot of problems for teenagers as they mature into adults. Low-level entry exercises such as “walking at least 10 minutes a day” can help to alleviate stress.”

Nature walks have been found to be even more effective at helping people to manage depression. Firstly, nature has been shown to have “healing qualities.” Secondly, walking in groups with like-minded people helps teenagers to develop social skills and build relations – something they don’t learn on social media networks. 

A leading cause of depression and anxiety in teenagers is the inability to interact in social environments. There has been a growing number of “teenage hermits” in the last few years and smartphones serve as a distraction as teenagers look for something to share with their friends to avoid awkwardness. Young people are not schooled in the art of conversation. 

Research also shows that loneliness contributes towards depression. So encouraging teenagers to engage in nature walks with their friends and classmates could help prevent a depression pandemic among the teenage population. Why not make walking in nature fun and engaging as well?