We sat down with Dr Jones to discuss problems with young people’s mental health and how JD have pledged to help with our new campaign.
JD has launched a new campaign to encourage young people to make more use of London’s green spaces, through providing sports equipment and safe spaces for young people to spend time outdoors with nature. Because of this we thought we would interview Dr Jones to discuss further the effects of nature from a mental health perspective.
That’s great, thank you for having me! When reading your press release, my overwhelming thoughts were that I wish I had something like this when I was younger and bored at home, not knowing what to do in my spare time!
Q: The first question we wanted to ask you was, why is nature and the outdoors so important?
A: Nature is so important for us humans to spend time in because it has so many healing and calming benefits. The first obvious pro of nature is it immediately does calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anger a young person could be feeling. Just like how teachers or parents often encourage a young person who is revising to take a break and go for a walk or hug a tree, the same applies to time without revision.
Q: Why is it especially important for young people to enjoy nature?
A: I think being a teenager can be so overwhelming and confusing as you are navigating relationships, school, exams and friendships and many more challenges that come with growing up. Therefore taking time to relax with your friends and exercise can be so helpful for clearing your mind and enjoying yourself.
Q: Due to the corona virus and the lockdown afterwards, many teenagers found themselves struggling with anxiety and depression. How would nature help with these issues?
A: As a mental health expert and a practicing doctor I know that regular exercise can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression as when exercising it releases feel good hormones: endorphins that enhance your sense of happiness and wellbeing. These hormones are natural cannabis-like chemicals, so they really would help!
Q: What about the social part of our events?
A: There have been many studies that have shown socialising also improves mental wellbeing and happiness. These events would be great to meet new people in your local area and create friendships around something that you both enjoy: sports.
Q: Do you have any tips for young people who are struggling with their mental wellbeing?
A: As I’ve said before it’s a no brainer that you should try and get outside and enjoy nature. And a perfect way to do this would be to come along to one of JD’s ‘Your Mates love nature, don’t you?’ events, you can bring your friends along or come by yourself if you are brave. Also if you are seriously struggling the NHS website have some great advice and the biggest step is to often speak to someone and share your feelings, and I would encourage you wholeheartedly to do so.