There are several types of depression, and although gardening can be helpful to everyone, it certainly is not a cure. Severe depression requires treatment by a doctor.
But let's think about situational depression which affects everyone at some point. The death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, financial problems and other negative life events can result in short term depression. Gardening can lift the dark clouds of depression and ease the pain.
After the death of a loved one, I stumbled on this therapy quite by accident. Unable to sleep, I spent many early morning hours outside in the back yard. During one of those 4 AM visits to the back yard, I started pulling weeds near the rose bushes. after an hour, I went inside. as I washed away the dirt, I realized that somehow I felt some peace. after a week of these early morning visits, the weeds were gone but not the sadness and pain. I contemplated pulling weeds from the neighbors flower bed but thought I might get arrested for trespassing or taken to the psychiatric hospital as the unstable neighbor lady. at that point, the entire back yard was transformed into a vegetable garden. a few months later, after daily work in the garden, the pain had eased and the sadness not as pervasive.
Why does gardening help? First of all, it is a simple task that does not place stress on the mind. as you work outside, you experience nature - the fresh air, the smell of the grass and plants, the warmth of the sun and the sound of birds singing. This creates a sense of peace and you totally relax. You are in a different world removed from the concerns and worries of your day to day life. there is something close to spiritual when you dig in the soil and tenderly place those small plants or seeds into the earth. as your garden flourishes, you will experience a sense of accomplishment and pride. Whether you plant flowers or vegetables, there is tremendous satisfaction when you see or taste the results of your efforts in the garden. You also benefit from the fresh air, sunshine and physical exercise.
Gradually you will realize that the black cloud of depression has started floating away. Temporarily you have focused on nature and not your sadness. and then one day, life feels better Now that you have discovered gardening and its many benefits, you will want to make this a life long hobby. Gardening is inexpensive, simple, and appeals to both young and old.
Since my discovery of this simple therapy, I have learned that psychiatrists have actually been using gardening therapy for quite some time. why? According to Dr. Cosmo Hallstrom, it is a treatment of proven benefit. Dr. Hallstrom is right, and I will continue to use this wonderful tool and enjoy the hobby of gardening.
How Gardening Can Ease Depression
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