Nature for Mental Health
Article written by: Ross Reilly | Peer-led Practitioner | SAMH | Fife
It can be stated that nature offers a space for thought, reflection and distraction from day to day worries. Indeed, the natural landscape can be a welcome change from often looked at screens in the modern day way of relaxing and working.
It can be stated that one can feel connected within a greenspace with birdsong as a serene accompaniment. Alongside the insects busily getting on with what insects do. Watching a bee meander from flower to flower is amazing to watch and a sense of fragility in the strength of nature is summed up in this action.
The benefits of being in nature for one’s mental wellbeing is well documented. In Fife there are many gardens, parks, country parks and green space areas for people to access. In terms of a mental health journey it may be that leaving the house is a challenge. Starting with small steps may be prudent and could include going to one’s window or house door to look out.
Throughout all the challenges, information that day to day considerations brings, it can affirm that nature continues as a constant in our neighbourhoods.
The Dunfermline Sam’s drop-in is based within beautiful gardens that offer a beautiful green space welcome, for attending Sam’s for mental health peer support. (A SAMH – Scottish Action for Mental Health project)
Sam’s Fife, First House
Woodmill Road, Dunfermline KY11 4SS.
Open 9am-5pm on Sundays for drop-in peer support.
