The World Health Organisation estimates that depression and other mental illnesses will become the greatest source of ill health in the UK by 2020.
With urban areas expected to house two-thirds of the world’s population by 2050, First Fence is encouraging people to consider the wellness benefits of escaping to the country when looking for a new home to take steps in reducing the depression epidemic.
This call to action follows research which has revealed that frequenting outdoor spaces such as rivers, lakes and the countryside can help to substantially improve a person’s mental health state. In another recent study published in Nature magazine, scientists found those who lived in cities also had a 21% increase in mood disorders as well as a 39% increase in anxiety disorders.
Making the move away from the city
Being in close proximity to open space has been proven to reduce stress levels and sadness as well as boost moods. Being around larger areas of water – or “blue space” – also makes us calmer, increases peacefulness and generally boosts happiness.
Spending time in rural outdoors can also reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and stress hormone production.
Studies have shown that the risk of serious mental illness is often higher in cities when compared to more rural areas. This is hardly surprising, considering the constant traffic, noise, crowds, and polluted air. We’re also bombarded with information, distracting marketing messages and stimuli everywhere we go – it’s hard for anyone to not feel overwhelmed.
Whereas rewards like promotions or pay rises provide a short-term boost, moving to an area with more green space has a more sustained, long-term positive effect.
This is found to increase the risk of personality disorders, such as schizophrenia, considerably.
The best of both worlds is also possible
Of course, city life has real benefits too. You can walk everywhere and don’t have to rely on a car, there’s more nightlife, leisure and shopping activities and cities generally have an amazing energy to them. But just because you don’t want to move away from a city, doesn’t mean you can’t escape to the country – cities usually have easy access to calmer, more tranquil rural areas.
Even small amounts of interaction with nature and the outdoors can have a significant impact in reducing stress levels. A 20-minute walk in the park is enough to increase concentration and focus for those with attention deficit disorders.
Camping can also offer a mental health metropolis break, restoring your concentration and family time spent outdoors. In fact, 77% of campers are satisfied with their quality of life – compared to 55% of non-campers.
Going on walking tours and escaping to hiking trails can also boost moods, whether you live in the country or just make a concerted effort to get out of the city every so often. It boosts the quality of your sleep, which in turn improves your brain function.
Small steps are crucial for big change
Living in smaller locations like rural areas are also great ways to feel part of a community and have a support base in times of need. And if getting to the countryside isn’t possible at all, even garden owners can take advantage of greenery, with research finding that maintaining a rich, plentiful garden can dramatically improve physical and mental health.
We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, with mental illness being on the rise since the early 1990s. While moving or escaping to the countryside isn’t a magical cure and much more needs to be done, it’s one step in the right direction – even if it helps a small minority.
