Bird sightseeing in a place with more shrubs and trees can help people to recover and avoid depression, anxiety and stress. The study involved hundreds of people representing those living in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
The research was conducted by academics at the University of Exeter, the British Trust for Ornithology and the University of Queensland. According to Science Daily, mental health was determined through survey in over 270 people with diverse aspects; different age ranges, incomes and ethnic groups. The researchers found out that those who spend more time outdoors with activities such as bird sightseeing are less likely to develop depression and anxiety.
An extensive survey of the number of birds was also conducted. The number of birds was determined in the morning and afternoon at Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Luton. Altogether, the data gathering proved that lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety is linked to the number of birds that people could watch. Bird sightseeing in maintaining mental health is therefore dependent on the number and population of the birds.
Furthermore, species of birds such as blackbirds, robins, blue tits were also evaluated. However, the study proves that the type of bird does not affect the mental health of the people doing bird sightseeing. Only the number of birds (no other factors) is linked to the prevention of depression and anxiety.
Meanwhile, according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) , millions of Americans are affected by mental health conditions annually. Approximately, 1 in 5 at United States experiences mental illness in a given year (43.8 million or 18.5 percent). Moreover, more than 90% of children die due to suicidal case caused by mental illness. The recent study proving outdoor activities like bird sightseeing in avoiding depression and anxiety could be a way to decrease the prevalence of mental illness worldwide.
Bird sightseeing together with a beautiful nature shows a significant preventive health care. This aspect also makes places healthier, wealthier and a happy place to live in, as stated by Dr. Daniel Cox the pioneer of the study.
There is a positive association between bird sightseeing in the prevention of stress, anxiety, and depression. It could be a way to lower the cost allotted in mental health therapy.
