By: Rahal K.
Photo from: Shutterstock
Humans require socialization in their everyday environment. It is a norm that has not been severely disrupted for decades. Yet, it is without a doubt that the pandemic has changed routines and inflicted social isolation, increasing the rates of anxiety and depression. Although anxiety and depression are some of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, the sudden rise of them in adolescents is crucial to discuss for their social-emotional skills. Having depression and anxiety as young as four years old can be detrimental to a child’s development, especially since it has worsened after the onset of the pandemic. Even in 2019, “one in three high school students reported having persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness,” so it is surely even worse amidst the pandemic (Molano 2021). When such mental health issues persist, it may even lead to negative, risky behaviors later in adulthood due to the lack of interaction for individuals during this critical time. Intervention is needed and therapy has been one viable solution.
But it is not always easy to tell someone to enroll themselves in various therapy sessions. Not only is there a wide stigma around seeking counseling/mental health services, but there are also systemic barriers present in seeking sessions with therapists/psychologists.
Therefore, many individuals have resorted to more affordable means of such as service animals. However, Randall (2021), a reporter for KCRG News, highlights that there is an increased need for service animals during the pandemic as stress/anxiety increases among the general public. However, the ratio that requires a service dog for each affected person simply cannot be met in quantity, considering the time it takes to train one canine.
And so with most plausible solutions being met with drawbacks, one solution has not been considered among the general public. Ecotherapy - Mother Nature in therapist form - is the practice of “being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health” (Laguaite 2021). Ecotherapy has been proven by previous medical studies to lessen anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms due to the calming allure nature can have. And depending on each person’s stressors, ecotherapy has subcategories such as adventure therapy, green exercise, or therapeutic farming.
To briefly mention, adventure therapy is the act of engaging in athletic activities within a natural setting. Some examples would be hiking, rock climbing, or even cycling. These activities can either be completed alone or with a group depending on the type of experience the client is looking for. One study had examined 36 young adults that were diagnosed with clinical mental health issues, and the impact adventure therapy had on them. Results showcased that there was a large, positive improvement in emotional functionality (Bowen et al. 2016). While this was a relatively small sample size, it is imperative to witness that adventure therapy had the potential to ease symptoms of these young adults who have depression or anxiety.
Similar to adventure therapy, green exercise is specifically garnered towards doing physical activities in green spaces. Green spaces refer to areas such as forests or city parks. Activities can range from simply meditating to taking a walk. Therapeutic farming is what it sounds like: farming activities. An individual will likely plant a crop, garden, or tend to farm animals. A farming environment often leaves individuals to begin self-reflecting, and self-healing to be done (Murray et al. 2021).
Ecotherapy does not necessarily require a therapist or psychologist to be present, but at times such mental health professionals may recommend this practice to clients who may not be inclined to conversing with them.
Photo from: Dr John La Puma
In a study conducted by a professor of ecological consciousness, a client who engaged in ecotherapy was able to change their negative perceptions of the world and learned to “self-heal” her preexisting beliefs that added to her daily stress/anxiety. Puk quotes, “Her emotional connection to the natural world was strengthened from this experience…[and] develop a quiet and peaceful connection between her brain and her surroundings and to impede...chronic stress.”In other words, by immersing herself in a natural environment whether that be through meditation or gardening, the client was able to generate positive affirmations that lessened her psychological symptoms. Therefore, this study proves that ecotherapy can assist individuals during a pandemic, especially since social distancing can be done. The activities associated with ecotherapy are all independent or small group activities, meaning an individual can participate in healthy habits without the need for large social gatherings. Whether that range from taking walks in a park to producing one's own vegetable garden, ecotherapy has benefits that many can indulge in. And as COVID-19 restrictions can vary within each person’s current location, ecotherapy triumphs them all as its practice is multifaceted and eco-friendly.
Discussion Questions:
Do you think ecotherapy is as effective as traditional therapy? Do you think it serves as a gateway for those who cannot afford or find therapy within their area, and can also find a newfound love for nature?
What are some ways you practice ecotherapy that you were unaware of before? What impact has it made on your life?
Sources:
Bowen, D. J., Neill, J. T., & Crisp, S. J. R. (2016, May 13). Wilderness adventure therapy effects on the mental health of youth participants. Evaluation and Program Planning. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149718915300094.
Buyakie, B. (2021). More pets are entering shelters than are adopted, leaving some owners with no options. The Daily Record. https://www.the-daily-record.com/story/news/2021/08/03/pets-entering-shelters-than-adopted-leaving-some-owners-no-options/7892905002/.
Ecotherapy images. Shutterstock. (n.d.). https://www.shutterstock.com/search/ecotherapy.
Laguaite, M. (2021). Nature therapy: Types and benefits. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/nature-therapy-ecotherapy#:~:text=Nature%20therapy%2C%20also%20called%20ecotherapy,green%20therapy%2C%20or%20horticulture%20therapy.
Molano, S. (2021). Youth depression and anxiety doubled during the pandemic, new analysis finds. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/10/health/covid-child-teen-depression-anxiety-wellness/index.html.
Puk , T. (2021). Nature-based regenerative healing: A case-study of interpersonal ecotherapy. Nature-based Regenerative Healing.
Puma , J. (2021). What is Therapeutic Horticulture? What IS HORTICULTURAL Therapy?: Healthy Living, Wellness & Nutrition EXPERT: Dr John LA PUMA. Dr John La Puma | Wellness and Nutrition Expert. https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/wellness-and-health/what-is-therapeutic-horticulture-horticultural-therapy/.
Randall, L. (2021). Need for service dogs increase for pandemic-related stress and anxiety. https://www.kcrg.com. https://www.kcrg.com/2021/08/17/need-service-dogs-increase-pandemic-related-stress-anxiety/.