Within the overall Forest|Healthyproject, Forest|Psyche focuses specifically on people with depression. This is because mental health is a key prerequisite for self-determination, social participation, and the development of personal potential (WHO, 2019; Robert Koch Institute [RKI], 2022). However, mental health issues, including clinical disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders, are widespread (Hansen et al., 2017; Coventry et al., 2021). Structurally weaker regions – such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – are particularly affected.
 

M-V is also one of the federal states with the lowest life expectancy (Federal Statistical Office, 2022). One possible explanation lies in the comparatively high prevalence of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders – above all depression (e.g. Völzke, 2012). Current data also show that over a third of the working population in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (36.4%) is affected by mental illness, with depression accounting for the largest proportion (Barmer, 2023; DAK, 2017). At the same time, a lack of therapy places in many areas makes it difficult to access professional help (PsyFaKo, 2022).

This is where Forest|Psyche comes in: the focus is on developing and scientifically evaluating low-threshold therapeutic forest courses lasting several weeks in the region – with the aim of recording their short- and long-term effects on psychosocial, physiological, and behavioral health factors. At the same time, the project will investigate how a connection with nature can be strengthened and sustainable thinking and behavior promoted. In addition, the program aims to relieve people with depressive symptoms during waiting periods and provide long-term health-promoting and preventive structures.
 

The long-term goal is to implement the program in the Greifswald and Vorpommern area as a complementary therapeutic approach in line with Public and One Health. The forest is intended to be an active place for promoting health for patients as well as the general population. With the Eldena nature reserve, the Elisenhain, the coastal forests of the Bodden, and urban green spaces such as the arboretum, the region offers ideal conditions for diverse, local nature experiences and for testing such programs.

Experiencing nature has a positive effect on...

1. Physical health: reducing the stress hormone cortisol, regulating blood pressure, strengthening the immune system.
2. Mental relaxation: reducing feelings of stress, lifting the mood, promoting inner peace, alleviating symptoms.
3. Perception: stimulating all the senses in a variety of ways: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance.
4. movement: strengthening the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system for improved physical fitness
5. creativity: new impressions promote inventiveness, imagination, and problem solving
6. everyday routines: stepping away from the hustle and bustle and sensory overload – returning to your center
7. inner experience: Nature as a mirror and source of symbols for feelings, stages of life, and personal issues
8. connectedness: experiencing being part of nature as a greater whole
9. personal time out: time for yourself without distractions, to sort out your thoughts, recharge your batteries, and find peace
10. health care: prevention of mental and physical illness; low-threshold, free of charge, and suitable for everyday use