Have you ever look at trees on your street and think, “there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye?” Well, you probably should do that.
A recent study based on 9,751 participants from Leipzig, Germany, aims to bring us closer to trees by discussing their effects on depression. How it’s this possible?
Here is what you need to know.
Trees Help You Cope With Depression
Study insights
For the recent study, a team of researchers surveyed 9,751 residents in Leipzig, Germany. They used antidepressant prescriptions rather than self-reporting to analyze the mental health of participants.Â
Next, the team combined the new batch of data with the numbers of street trees in every part of the city. The findings are genuinely intriguing.
Results and other findings
The team reported that more trees within 100 meters of a resident’s home were linked to a decreased probability of being prescribed antidepressants. Such a finding is very useful for health professionals, city planners, and more.
Environmental psychologist, Melissa Marselle, from De Montfort University in the UK, released a statement, highlighting the importance of urban trees. She said:
“Our study shows that everyday nature close to home, […] is important for mental health; […] especially relevant now in times of the COVID-19.”
Other Significant Details
Notably, the recent study has its limitations. For instance, not all depressed participants were on antidepressants.
Also, the results suggest enough of a relationship to show that just having trees on your street and around is enough to boost a city’s mood as life unfolds itself.
Furthermore, the team discussed introducing an “unintentional nature experience into everyday life” to aid fight mental health issues that are being made worse by the actual pandemic scenario.
As a recommendation, researchers ask the government to add more trees on streets, especially in the residential urban areas to contribute to climate change mitigation. Also, to help people cope with depression.
The paper was published in Scientific Reports.