Authors: Photeinos Santas, Håkan Hulebo
Depression is a widespread mood disorder affecting millions globally. Standard treatments include medication and psychotherapy, but there is a growing interest in complementary therapies.
Recent studies have shown promise for gardening as a therapy for depression. These studies suggest that gardening may reduce depressive symptoms through stress reduction, improved mood, and increased self-esteem. Therefore, agritourism farms have the potential to become havens for reducing depression symptoms through onsite gardening and horticulture activities, as follows:
- Gardening and horticulture. Working with soil and plants can be a calming experience and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Bonding with an animal. Horses are social creatures and forming a connection with them can be rewarding and reduce feelings of loneliness. In addition, horseback riding provides exercise, which releases endorphins that can improve mood swings, reduce symptoms of fatigue, stress, depression and anxiety.
- Spending time outdoors and breathing fresh air while taking regular and easy walks has been linked to stress reduction and mood improvements.
- Social interaction. Agritourism farms can provide opportunities to connect with others, reducing feelings of isolation sometimes associated with depression.
In conclusion, agritourism offers a variety of promising activities that can act as complementary and highly effective therapies for depression.
