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You should never think that you’re alone when feeling depressed or under pressure. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), almost a fifth of adults across the UK experience moments of anxiety or depression. The ONS has also found that more women report that they suffer from these conditions than men. However, anyone can be at risk when you consider that depression can come about from a major life event, like a family bereavement, or overthinking situations. Certain genetic variations can make some people more prone to depression than others though.
Prescribed anti-depressants are often used by many people to help them cope with depression, with these acting as ‘mood enhancers’. However, they don’t work for everyone. As an alternative solution, have you considered gardening? After all, reports have suggested that 87% of people who spend time gardening for over six hours a week feel happier. Here’s a look at why that might be the case…
It can be a family activity
You can choose to socialise within your comfort zone by gardening as a family, which is important when you take note that your confidence can be drained when you suffer from depression. Most kids love the garden — and spending time with you — so by creating fun tasks to improve your garden, they will instinctively have fun which will help lift your spirits.
Scientists have also stated that your immune system can be boosted by types of friendly bacteria found in soil, in a similar manner to how anti-depressants work.
It will keep you busy
Without being too tasking, gardening is great in that it keeps both your mind and body busy. Tasks such as digging, mowing and planting can keep you occupied for hours on end and always thinking, while being outdoors can increase serotonin in the brain. On top of this, the relaxing ambience provided by being outside can leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Psychotherapist and Harley Therapy’s clinical director, Dr Sheri Jacobson, commented to Huffington Post: “While I haven’t come across anyone claiming that gardening has single-handedly overcome their depression, as part of a wide set of tools, gardening can be beneficial in the battle against depression.
“Being in the outdoors in more natural surroundings can help lift our mood as it brings a sense of simplicity and tranquillity which is therapeutic for many people.”
The benefits of growing your own produce
When looking for activities to do in your garden, you should certainly consider aiming to grow your own vegetables. It is believed that producing your own food can help you reconnect with our planet, its seasons and rhythms. Not only this, but tending to your crops will provide enough light exercise — at your own pace — to boost your endorphin levels.
Sensing that you’re out of control is a primary cause of depression. With that in mind, growing your own fruit and veg can help give back some of that power. It’s also thought that folate-rich foods, such as kale and spinach, can help lift your morale. So, what better way to boost yourself than growing it yourself?
Dopamine — deemed the ‘pleasure chemical’ — can also be released into the brain when you harvest your own crops. This will, in turn, trigger a state of bliss. This release can be caused by sight, smell and actually plucking fruit, so be sure to plant as many different edible options as possible and get that dopamine flowing!
The benefits of plant scented flowers
According to scientists in Japan, gene activity can be altered and the feelings of stress or depression can be reduced by inhaling the scents which are released by plants such as lavender. Aromatherapy, for example, is used as a form of alternative medicine and relies on scents such as this.
Jasmine should also be included in your garden’s array of plants, as its fragrance is said to help you sleep. Rosemary will be beneficial too, as it is said to improve air quality, memory function and banish anxiety.
Gardening can seem like a chore to some people though, regardless of the various advantages of taking it up as a hobby or interest. However, with so many potential benefits, it’s clearly worth trying to get into this hobby. Remember though, you are not alone in your struggle, so be sure to talk to professionals and those closest to you if you are depressed. There are many people out there to discuss your feelings with.
Sources
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/jun/19/anxiety-depression-office-national-statistics
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/22020430
https://www.rachel-kelly.net/gardening-helps-depression/
https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/fruit-and-vegetables-may-help-fight-depression/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722110901.htm
https://www.serenataflowers.com/pollennation/plants-anti-anxiety-benefits/
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/16/gardening-helps-depression-_n_3602877.html