Nature-based mental health care is worth the investment, researchers say

[erronis]

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-07-nature-based-mental-health-worth.html
Griffith University

A new study underlines the annual AU$7 trillion (US$5 trillion) value of nature in mental health benefits and is calling for urgent government action to expand access to nature as a frontline response to the worsening global mental health crisis.

The commentary, published in Communications Health, highlights that while nature has been proven beneficial for mental health, clinical health care does not provide it, and lifestyle medicine is not available to all.

"People need nature to counteract burnout," said co-author Professor Paula Brough, director of the Center for Work, Organization and Wellbeing at Australia's Griffith University.

The study also highlighted the strong economic case for investment, citing protected areas, national parks and greenspaces that already contributed an estimated AU$7 trillion (US$5 trillion) annually through mental health benefits, with further gains expected through reduced health care costs and improved productivity.

. . .

[justaprogressive]

1. Meanwhile T$ump is trying

to destroy the National Park Service!

[FalloutShelter]

2. I can say that from personal experience,

I have been in the practice of walking 3 1/2 to 4 miles four times a week, and had I not done this... I would be losing my mind.
Nothing helps me shake it off more than my daily walk.

I am very fortunate to live near a nature preserve, and it is a 4-mile round-trip door-to-door. Not everyone is that lucky. I understand, but if you can get to a nearby park, DO IT. Even if you just sit on the bench and breathe deeply.

Good. luck.

[hunter]

3. It works for me.

When I was at my worst I spent a lot of time in the desert talking to the flora, fauna, and rocks.

That was for complex problems.

When I was overwhelmed with anger the Pacific Ocean could take whatever I threw at it.

I like to watch birds too. It doesn't matter what kind.

[mucifer]

4. Yup works for me I started birding a year ago

I do it in Chicago everyday. (Yeah who’d a thought there be so many interesting birds in Chicago?).

I feel sooo much better