Access to Urban Woodlands Linked With Lower Use of Antidepressants
A study from Scotland found that living near an accessible urban woodland significantly lowered the likelihood of being prescribed antidepressants. Read more on E360 →
A Scottish study discovered that proximity to an easily accessible urban woodland decreases the odds of being prescribed antidepressants. The research centered on the Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative, launched in 2005 by Scotland's government. This program revitalized nearly 30,000 acres of urban woodlands, making them available to the public through signs, trails, and walking paths.
Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow analyzed data from over 129,000 individuals in Scotland over a five-year period. Their findings revealed that moving within a 10-minute walk of a WIAT woodland reduced the likelihood of receiving an antidepressant prescription by 10%, and the chance of receiving anti-anxiety medication by 6%.
Lead author Scott Ogletree of the University of Edinburgh stated, "Our results tell us that relatively modest investments in local green spaces can make a real difference to people’s mental health." Previous research has shown that living near green spaces can reduce stress, enhance moods, and lower the risk of anxiety or depression.
The World Health Organization recommends urban planners to establish at least 1 acre of green space within 1,000 feet of every home, citing the numerous benefits of nature immersion on mental health.
Written by urgent.news from Yale Environment 360's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
