Scottish study links urban woods to mental health
A major five-year study in Scotland found that well-kept city woods are closely connected to improved mental health outcomes for residents.
Scientists from Edinburgh and Glasgow tracked over 129,000 people to see how green spaces affect medication use for depression and anxiety across the nation. They analyzed prescription records to measure changes over time in the population.
Researchers compared individuals living near upgraded woodlands with those farther away to find differences. People within a ten-minute walk of improved areas were 10% less likely to receive antidepressants and 6% less likely to need anti-anxiety drugs.
Professor Catharine Ward Thompson led the work and noted her team found much better proof connecting nature to health than previous work has shown. She stated the results provide a clearer picture of how green spaces help people feel better over time.
This research proves that small spending on local green areas can help improve wellbeing and help reduce mental health inequalities in disadvantaged communities. It shows that nature-based programs support broader efforts to improve public health while addressing social gaps.