NHS Tayside is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, which focuses on the benefits of nature and our environment to help improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The awareness week, which runs from 10-16 May, is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation.
Public health consultant Dr Jane Bray said, “Nature is a great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future and many of us have experienced the benefits of nature during the long months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Research has shown that going out for walks was one of the top coping strategies used in the past year and many people reported that being in green spaces was vital for their mental health.
“Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, doing things like growing food or flowers, exercising outdoors or being around animals can have lots of positive effects.
“Evidence shows enjoying nature and time outdoors can help improve how we feel and our mental wellbeing as well as conditions such as depression, anxiety, Type 2 Diabetes and COPD.”
The mental health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature and being outdoors can include:
- Improving your mood
- Reducing feelings of stress or anger
- Helping you take time out and feel more relaxed
- Improving your physical health
- Improving your confidence and self-esteem
- Helping you be more active
- Helping you make new connections
NHS Tayside will be sharing tips on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages throughout Mental Health Awareness Week about the benefits of nature on your mental health and wellbeing.
During the week, you can share images and videos of your experiences of nature and how this made you feel on NHS Tayside’s social media pages using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw
Mental Health Awareness Week also coincides with Green Health Week hosted by the Dundee Green Health Partnership. A week-long calendar of more than 50 activities have been set up which focus on the benefits of nature. To find out more visit www.GreenHealth.scot
People can visit NHS Tayside’s online self help mental health directory, which includes a list of mental health support and advice organisations, resources both in Tayside and nationally. The directory is available to view at www.livinglifewelltayside.scot.nhs.uk
If you need to speak to someone, you can contact:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
- NHS 24: 111