Mental Health and Nature Access

Makram and colleagues “found that neighborhoods with a NatureScore of 60+ [0–100; low to high nature levels] had lower overall mental health utilization than those below 40. . . .  This relationship persisted for depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety/stress and in neighborhoods with a NatureScore above 80. . . . Compared to neighborhoods with a NatureScore below 40, those above 80 had significantly lower depression . . . and bipolar . . .  health encounters after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. This novel approach, utilizing NatureScore as a proxy for urban greenness, demonstrates the correlation between a higher NatureScore and reduced mental health utilization. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating nature into our healthcare strategies to promote well-being and mental health.”

Omar Makram, Alan Pan, Jay Maddock, and Bita Kash.  2024. “Nature and Mental Health in Urban Texas: A NatureScore-Based Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 21, no. 2, p. 168, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020168