Urban Green Space and Mental Health

An article by Kurt Beil in the July 2014 issue of the Natural Medicine Journal focuses on a 17 year (1991-2008)  British study that examined shifts in mental health status in people who moved to new homes which were surrounded by either more or less urban green space.  Mental health status was assessed by a General Health Questionnaire provided by the British Household Panel Survey.  People who moved to a new home with increased surrounding urban green space were found to have improved mental health status not just immediately but for years following the move which suggests the improvement was permanent.  People who moved to a home with less surrounding urban green space did not experience any shift in mental health status.  Even though less surrounding urban green space didn't impact mental health, the improvement in mental health seen with increased exposure provides insight into a support for our overall mental health that we can all easily access.  While we may not be able to actually move to a home with increased surrounding urban green space, ensuring that we get outside and connect with the green space that is within our own neighbourhood or our own city can potentially help to boost our mental health.  This is a fun (even in the winter!), refreshing, and free way for us to support our overall health.