People exposed to outdoors in first year of COVID pandemic suffered less from depression – CBS Denver

BOULDER, CO (CBS4)– A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder shows that people who were exposed to more green space in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly less depression and anxiety than those who didn’t. The study was published in PLOS One Magazine March 2nd.

(Source: iStock/Getty Images)

The study also shows that people flocked to the outdoors during this period, as mental health problems increased in part due to financial problems, supply shortages and non-stop news coverage of the virus. The report shows a third have spent more time outdoors than before COVID.

“This research demonstrates the importance of keeping parks and green spaces open in times of crisis,” said senior author Colleen Reid, assistant professor of geography at the Institute for Behavioral Science, in a statement. “It also shows that as a public health measure, more effort should be put into creating green spaces and making them accessible.”

The survey ran from November 2019 to January 2021.

(Source: iStock/Getty Images)

“Not surprisingly, we found that the pandemic has had a negative impact on mental health,” said co-author Emma Rieves, a master’s student at the Department of Geography, in a statement. “But we also found that even during times of such extraordinary stressors, green spaces can have powerful protective effects.”

The study also found that while people diagnosed with COVID-19 did not have higher levels of poor mental health, those who lost income were more likely to be stressed or depressed. The strongest source of mental health problems was fear of shortages of supplies, including toilet paper and food. People who spent more time online to see new things also reported poorer mental health.

Those who used green spaces the most had significantly less anxiety and depression.

“It’s not just about being able to see trees from your home. The amount, quality and accessibility of that green space is important,” said Rieves.