Psychologist explains how depression affects the mind and body
Depression affects the body and mind in different ways. Dr Ali Mattu explains how to recognise the symptoms of mental illness.
Have you ever decided to do something, and then suddenly something catches your eye and takes you in a completely different direction? This week’s column is exactly that – a completely different direction. As some of my readers have pointed out, I spend my time researching factual information that I hope will be useful to someone – how they plan, what they need to know, how it can help them in their daily lives.
As I was driving this week, I noticed how the trees have grown and how looking at them has brought a sense of calm to my daily life. Shinrin-yoku, Before you dismiss the practice of “forest bathing” as a ridiculous idea, scientific research on the practice proves what we instinctively know: that walking through a forest really does have positive effects on your physical and mental health.
We live, work, and play in beautiful parts of this country. Of course, there may be places that rival our own from time to time, but today, I can’t imagine a better place to spend time. In his book, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, Dr. Qing Li of the Nippon Medical School Hospital in Tokyo describes our evolving understanding of what he calls “the healing power of forests.”
Lee, who began his speculative research in 1990, is considered a leading authority on forest bathing and has concluded that forest bathing can boost immunity, increase energy, reduce stress, and reduce anger, anxiety, and depression. With Mental Health Awareness Month just concluded, this is sure to add to the search for helpful solutions.
His conclusions are now supported by a number of independent studies and published papers, including Lee’s paper in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine to be published in 2022. He notes that forest bathing is associated with measurable reductions in levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, as well as blood pressure.
While research is continuing, researchers who reviewed 971 papers focusing on the practice, as well as a systematic review of 22 studies and a meta-analysis of eight studies, found that all but two studies showed lower cortisol levels in people who followed the practice or lower cortisol levels in people who did not follow the practice.
Further evidence that the practice is gaining acceptance is that more and more doctors are prescribing forest bathing to improve their patients’ overall health and mental wellbeing. Because one solution may not work for everyone, an article published in eClinicalMedicine in 2021 adds to the information above by also mentioning “connecting primary care patients directly or indirectly with non-medical interventions aimed at reducing the burden of their medical concerns.” This could include activities such as art classes, walking, singing, or knitting groups.
The article goes on to note that “it has never been more important to consider the role of healthcare in addressing all aspects of social well-being.” Forest bathing, while initially greeted with a scoff, is actually something that can benefit anyone. It can be done alone or in a more sociable way. “You may not be able to get far on a forest walk, but connecting with nature can help you feel better,” says the article. Shinrin-yoku “It brings us closer to our true selves.” This is the perfect reason to make a plan to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us every day while also helping to improve our overall health.
Debbie Kulick is a paramedic who writes a weekly news column for the Pocono Record.
