The Mental and Physical Health Challenges
In our last blog we considered the evidence that backs the value to mental and physical health of green (or blue) / nature therapy. So, if getting outdoors is proven to have physical and mental health benefits how many of us stand to gain from some self-care spent outdoors in nature? That is how big is the problem of mental and physical health challenges faced by individuals, communities and businesses? During this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week we thought it opportune to look at this.
Mental Heath
Northern Ireland has the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK, with 25% higher levels of psychiatric morbidity as well as higher rates of anxiety and depression in the child and youth population . Around a fifth (19%) of the adult population had a high General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) score indicating a possible mental health problem. There has been a yearly increase in the prevalence rate for mental health and depression since 2013/14, with the legacy of violence and socio-economic factors frequently cited as key contributor to poor mental. Since the pandemic individuals have felt more disconnected from community and less able to avail of support, especially in relation to protecting their mental and physical health. Those most at risk of mental health concerns prior to the pandemic experience the greatest impact, those in need materially before lockdowns have seen inequalities increase and those more likely to have required support need just as much if not greater levels of flexible engagement now.
Physical Heath
Most females and people with disabilities, and close to 40% of men, in Northern Ireland may not be meeting the guidelines for physical activity, and children in Northern Ireland have the lowest rate of physical activity in the UK. Females 16 years and older are less likely to take part in sport than males, with overall participation declining in all adults with age so that those 45 and over are less likely to have participated in any sport within the last year. Adults living in the most deprived areas are also less likely to have participated in sport within the previous year than those living in the least deprived areas. Those adults who do take part in physical activity cite improved physical and mental health benefits, with over half of adults walking for recreation (not classed as sport) within the previous year, with a higher proportion of females (59%) than males (50%) doing so. Positively the proportion of adults who had walked for recreation increased from 28% in 2011/12 to a peak of 49% in 2019/20.
Addressing the Challenges
There are plans to help address the situation. The Northern Ireland Mental Health strategy 2021 – 2031 seeks to address the state of mental health in the community, with theme 1 Promoting mental wellbeing, resilience and good mental health across society addressing support available to individuals, families and communities and working with partners, including social prescribing, to encourage and support mental wellbeing and positive mental health. This theme stipulates the need to provide green spaces and opportunities for exercise, leisure activity, social interaction, volunteering and tackling loneliness. Aligned to this the Public Health Agency’s Take 5 initiative promotes the following five simple steps to improve wellbeing, Connect (build relationships with others), Be Active (discover a physical activity you enjoy), Take Notice (be mindful of what is around you), Keep Learning (try something new) and Give (do something for others).
Conclusion
There is a pressing need to support communities as they seek to redress the impacts on mental and physical health arising from years of conflict, social deprivation, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities require cost effective solutions tailored to their needs and that have practical and sustainable wellbeing benefits. This is where the low cost and positive impact of green (or blue) / nature therapy comes into its own. That is not to say that a day out in a forest or in the hills will resolve all of life’s challenges, of course not. Nonetheless walking in some of our iconic locations with colleagues, friends or strangers can be more than just a day out. Done well such events can directly deliver on at least four of the five simple steps to improve wellbeing under the Take 5 initiative, five if the individual helps someone else while on the walk and is a practical way to deliver on the Mental Health strategy. Let’s get behind nature therapy as one of the practical tools in the box to help improve lives.