Wanted to put this in a seperate post so as not to send any mixed messages with the previous one.
https://amp.theguardian.com/environm...mpression=true
More evidence that getting outside and interacting with nature has multiple benefits for your mental health - whether you consider yourself to be 'outdoorsy' or not.
The evidence around this approach continues to grow. It's not a cure - and no one should be thinking about dropping their meds or other therapies and replacing it with a trip to the park without the advice of their GP - but it really, really works.
This is what I do nowadays, a couple of weeks ago we had 200 NHS practitioners out for a demonstration, you're going to keep seeing more of it.
Not long after I gave a presentation to another group, I hadn't read the brief properly and expected about 20 people to be listening - so it was a bit of a surprise to walk out to an audience of about 400. Tbh it wasn't the best presentation I've ever given, but I stood and gave it - this is me that a few years ago used to shut myself in the bathroom and hide for an hour if I saw the postman coming to my door because I was do afraid to speak. Me who had to have a therapist coach me into going out into the streets to put the bins out. Me who was told I'd never work, never have 'normal' relationships, to 'manage my expectations' about a 'normal' life.
For people in the right place in their lives spending time in nature works.
And for me the best thing is that - although it's great that there are services out there that can help you take the first steps and can work to build your confidence and knowledge - it's not exactly rocket science. You don't really need me or people like me at all, you can, when you feel ready, just step outside.
There are loads of services and groups out there, it's definitely worth giving it a google.