{
  "id": 6545594,
  "title": "Forest therapy reduces suicide risk and depression, study finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/forest-therapy-reduces-suicide-risk-and-depression-study-finds",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-10T05:42:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/health/20260910/forest-therapy-reduces-suicide-risk-and-depression-study-finds"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study by the National Institute of Forest Science reveals that structured forest therapy programs effectively reduce suicide risk, depression, and feelings of despair, offering a scientifically validated approach to mental health recovery. As Korea grapples with a national mental health crisis, consistently ranking among the highest suicide rates of developed nations, state health agencies are increasingly turning to community-based and natural preventative measures to build long-term psychological resilience in the face of persistent societal stress, hyper-competitive work and academic environments, and social isolation. To substantiate the tangible benefits of natural exposure, researchers administered standardized psychological tests to 231 participants, assessing numerical shifts in key metrics before and after their involvement in forest therapy programs. In line with World Suicide Prevention Day, the study examines changes in suicide risk, hopelessness, and depression metrics in participants who engaged in structured forest therapy, demonstrating the potential of such interventions as a valuable tool in addressing the pressing mental health challenges faced by the Korean population.",
  "summary": "Engaging in structured forest therapy programs significantly reduces suicide risk, feelings of despair and depression, offering a scientifically backed tool for mental health recovery, according to a study released Wednesday by the National Institute of Forest Science. The findings arrive against the backdrop of an ongoing national mental health crisis in Korea, which has long recorded the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Structured forest therapy programs reduce suicide risk, depression, and despair",
    "Study conducted by National Institute of Forest Science in Korea",
    "231 participants showed improved psychological metrics after forest therapy"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This study validates forest therapy as a tool for Korea's state health agencies to build psychological resilience and reduce mental health risks, particularly suicide, in a population under persistent societal stress.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Forest therapy reduces suicide risk and depression, study finds",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/forest-therapy-reduces-suicide-risk-and-depression-study-finds-6550784",
        "published": "2026-09-10T06:27:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}