Depression Understood Forums

Came across this interesting little bit of information while working on an article today. Thought I would share it with everyone

"Doctors in the UK are ditching pills and prescribing time in the dirt for treatment of depression. “Drug therapy can be really expensive, but gardening costs little and anyone can do it,” said Sir Richard, who is a patron of Thrive, a national charity that provides gardening therapy. In the US, veterans are being given time in “Healing Gardens” for treatment of post traumatic stress disorder."

Maybe we should all start up little Apartment Gardens! cool huh?

I totally agree with this, sometimes when I am fairly depressed I just go outside maybe, plug in some earphones and just do some garden work to keep my mind off things.

Why do we need physical strength? Maybe we don't have to go whole hog with an entire garden. We could maybe just take care of a couple of small potted plants?

I agree with the study as well it is a way better alternative to drugs if you

cannot afford them and as all you said anyone can garden. Me and my

mom garden every year and we grow a variety of crops like tomatoes,

cucumber, and peppers. We already planned our garden for next year

already can't wait to start growing from seeds in March. It makes me feel

good to just get my hands in the dirty from pulling weeds and trimming

the extra leaves on some vegetables like tomatoes. As well as seeing

plants grow is a great feeling. I cannot wait till next summer to do it again.

That is so cool stars7 are there any winter or fall plants that could be useful to you? Maybe herbs of some sort that could be grown right indoors? You could dry the herbs and add them to soups and stuff right?

It's a nice idea. But I don't think it would work for me. I don't like to be outdoors. Especially the dirt and the bugs. ^_^;;

The garden therapeutic idea comes from the notion that the earth can be seen as symbol for birth and new life. Anything that grows and thrives often can bring comfort to those tending it.

For those that do not like the outdoors or find "gardening" to physical..a few packages of seeds and a small pot in a kitchen might be the way to start.

Taking care of anything is hard work, it requires attention and discipline and maybe that is the point with this study. Maybe getting in the habit of doing those things does produce a sense of peace..it makes sense to me.

I take great pride in my lemon tree..lol, after 8 months of caring for her, I finally have my first real lemon!!! It is so beautiful.

lol omg balcony that is so cool! You have a real live lemon tree!

Have you eaten the lemon yet?

I have not, lol..I almost want to construct a shrine to it...I am so proud!!!