“I can get to a happy place by visiting nature”: The benefits of implementing nature-based interventions within mental health services
Peter Destry1, Katarzyna Olcon2, Julaine Allan3 1Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Coniston, NSW, Australia2The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia3Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Natural environments provide a space for people to rest, recover, and reset. There has been a growing interest in nature-based interventions (NBIs), such as nature walking groups, to prevent and address mental health symptoms. NBIs have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and, when offered in groups, NBIs decrease isolation and improve social skills. Nevertheless, implementation and evaluation of NBIs within mental health services is minimal. To address this gap, The Illawarra Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Service offered a nature walking group to consumers with a severe and enduring mental illness. Two 10-week groups were facilitated in 2022 by two mental health clinicians guiding the consumers through various nature reserves within the Illawarra. Ten consumers participated across the two groups. To understand the impacts of the intervention, data was collected through observations of the walks, focus groups, interviews and photos taken by the participants. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes. 1) “I can get to a happy place by visiting nature” refers to participants’ accounts of the activity’s impact on their mental health. 2) “Knowing that you are not alone” incorporates experiences of social connection and interaction. 3) “It was really rewarding and helpful” describes participant’s satisfaction with the organisation of the group and the reduction of barriers to participate. This presentation describes the impacts on the participants and discusses the implications of the findings for mental health services.
Biography
Pete Destry is an experienced social worker (2013 BSW completion) currently working as a mental health rehabilitation clinician at the Illawarra Community Mental Health Service. Pete has completed a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies through the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Sustainability through University of Tasmania in 2022. The Diploma examined the science behind gardening, the connection between nature and wellbeing, climate change, and explored more sustainable ways of living. Pete has an interest in therapeutic models of care for increasing wellbeing including nature-based interventions.