Page 61 - Sonoma County Gazette June 2017

The Power of the Patch: Gardening and Mental Health
By Maria Cannon
Horticultural activities release happy hormones and help us overcome
anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. There is
something
about sweet
talking seeds into strong and stately sprouts that refreshes the spirit. But why? More than once, researchers have found
that gardening
is good for the
mind, body, and
soul. Today, we
explore why
gardening has
such a positive
effect on mental health.
Growing plants gives us a sense of responsibility
Tending a garden gives us a purpose. For people suffering with depression, it offers something to look forward to. Helping something grow into maturity from a seedling gives us a sense of responsibility, which can help mitigate the damaging emotional effects of feeling down and out.
Regardless of whether you are male, female, old, young, gay, or straight,
we are all inherently designed to nurture. Gardening is the great equalizer
as the plants really don’t care who is doing the work and society (for once) typically doesn’t have an opinion on which demographic is better at growing things. Being able to nurture something from its inception can help people suffering with mental health problems by allowing them to contribute to a transformative activity. This is great for self-esteem and a wonderful and fulfilling activity to do with children and teenagers who may be showing signs of mental health instability.
Working in the garden serves as a gentle reminder that humans are not the center of the universe, and self-absorption is one trigger that contributes to depression, focusing on the outdoors can help us see a broader view of things outside of our own emotions. In the early 2000s, a research study determined that gardening was a beneficial activity for those living in in-patient health units and prisons since there was a social aspect involved. Working together to grow a garden helped these people focus on future aspirations instead of their physical or societal flaws.
Many people turn to gardening as a way to actually separate themselves from social interactions. Gardening allows us to escape from everyday life
and from other people. Though a strong support network is vital for those suffering with depression, so too is solitude. Surrounding yourself with flowers and other plants means being separated from familiar distractions. Tending
Gardening brings out our inner nurturers
Gardening helps keep us connected to other living things
Gardening can help us relax
a garden allows us to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday. Moreover, rhythmic tasks associated with agricultural cultivation may help us find an inner flow and focus better on how to approach unpleasant situations. Sigmund Freud may have said it best in his observance that, “Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotion nor conflicts.”
Digging in the dirt may improve our immune systems
Our ancient forefathers were exposed to many more bacteria than we are today. Many of these, including Mycobacterium vaccae, affect our bodies on a cellular level. They increase the release rates of serotonin and encourage healthy metabolism. Many antidepressant drugs are formulated to boost the body’s serotonin production. It is theorized that our relatively sterile living environments have actually knocked our immune systems out of whack by reducing our exposure to these friendly bacteria.
In summary, gardening is not a replacement for the advice given by mental health care professionals. However, getting back to nature may be an effective contributor in the treatment of depression.
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