News
More Green Spaces in Cities, Fewer Antidepressants in Homes
In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the use of antidepressant medications across much of the world, particularly in urban areas. In response to this trend, several researchers have been exploring non-pharmacological and preventive strategies to improve collective mental well-being. One of the most intriguing and promising lines of research focuses on the role of green spaces in preventing mood disorders and reducing the need for medication.
A recent Dutch study, published in 2024 and conducted on a large scale by a team of researchers from the universities of Utrecht and Wageningen, has highlighted a significant correlation between the amount of urban greenery and the reduced use of antidepressants among the population. By analyzing health data from over 300,000 citizens and cross-referencing it with satellite imagery showing vegetation coverage in their residential areas, the researchers discovered that people living in neighborhoods with a high density of green space have a noticeably lower rate of antidepressant prescriptions compared to those in more cemented environments.
The researchers identified a critical threshold: when at least 79% of the surrounding area is covered by vegetation (including parks, gardens, street trees, and wooded spaces), the likelihood of taking antidepressants drops by 33% compared to those living in areas with less than 20% greenery. Interestingly, this effect appears to be independent of factors such as income, age, education level, or physical activity, suggesting a direct impact of natural environments on mental health.
The mechanism by which urban greenery positively affects mental balance is not yet fully understood, but several hypotheses exist. On one hand, nature has measurable effects on the autonomic nervous system: walking in a park, even for just 20–30 minutes, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), reduces heart rate, and improves heart rate variability, an indicator of emotional resilience. On the other hand, green spaces encourage a sense of belonging, social connection, and visual contact with beauty — all elements strongly associated with psychological well-being.
Another notable finding is that even proximity to greenery — without necessarily engaging in physical activity or actively using the space — seems to offer mental health benefits. The study observed that people who live surrounded by trees and vegetation, even if they don’t regularly visit parks, are less likely to be prescribed antidepressants. This may be linked to the concept of "passive biophilia": the mere sight of nature, such as through a window, can stimulate a calming and reassuring response in the brain.
These findings are beginning to influence public policies. Some municipalities in Germany, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries have implemented “green prescription” programs, where general practitioners recommend walks in parks as part of treatment for mild anxiety and depression. In the UK, the National Health Service has recently launched several pilot initiatives where patient groups participate in weekly sessions of horticulture, forest walks, and mindfulness practices.
The Dutch study reinforces the idea that nature is not a luxury but a fundamental component of public health. It suggests that urban development without the integration of substantial green spaces may be equivalent to depriving citizens of a “medicine” that is free, effective, and without side effects. More than a simple urban embellishment, trees, parks, and gardens must now be seen as genuine therapeutic tools.
At a time when depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, ensuring daily access to urban green space is not only an aesthetic or environmental investment but also a strategic choice for the mental health of communities. Well-distributed, accessible, and well-maintained greenery could become — backed by growing scientific evidence — one of the most powerful natural preventions against the psychological distress of our time.
A recent Dutch study, published in 2024 and conducted on a large scale by a team of researchers from the universities of Utrecht and Wageningen, has highlighted a significant correlation between the amount of urban greenery and the reduced use of antidepressants among the population. By analyzing health data from over 300,000 citizens and cross-referencing it with satellite imagery showing vegetation coverage in their residential areas, the researchers discovered that people living in neighborhoods with a high density of green space have a noticeably lower rate of antidepressant prescriptions compared to those in more cemented environments.
The researchers identified a critical threshold: when at least 79% of the surrounding area is covered by vegetation (including parks, gardens, street trees, and wooded spaces), the likelihood of taking antidepressants drops by 33% compared to those living in areas with less than 20% greenery. Interestingly, this effect appears to be independent of factors such as income, age, education level, or physical activity, suggesting a direct impact of natural environments on mental health.
The mechanism by which urban greenery positively affects mental balance is not yet fully understood, but several hypotheses exist. On one hand, nature has measurable effects on the autonomic nervous system: walking in a park, even for just 20–30 minutes, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), reduces heart rate, and improves heart rate variability, an indicator of emotional resilience. On the other hand, green spaces encourage a sense of belonging, social connection, and visual contact with beauty — all elements strongly associated with psychological well-being.
Another notable finding is that even proximity to greenery — without necessarily engaging in physical activity or actively using the space — seems to offer mental health benefits. The study observed that people who live surrounded by trees and vegetation, even if they don’t regularly visit parks, are less likely to be prescribed antidepressants. This may be linked to the concept of "passive biophilia": the mere sight of nature, such as through a window, can stimulate a calming and reassuring response in the brain.
These findings are beginning to influence public policies. Some municipalities in Germany, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries have implemented “green prescription” programs, where general practitioners recommend walks in parks as part of treatment for mild anxiety and depression. In the UK, the National Health Service has recently launched several pilot initiatives where patient groups participate in weekly sessions of horticulture, forest walks, and mindfulness practices.
The Dutch study reinforces the idea that nature is not a luxury but a fundamental component of public health. It suggests that urban development without the integration of substantial green spaces may be equivalent to depriving citizens of a “medicine” that is free, effective, and without side effects. More than a simple urban embellishment, trees, parks, and gardens must now be seen as genuine therapeutic tools.
At a time when depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, ensuring daily access to urban green space is not only an aesthetic or environmental investment but also a strategic choice for the mental health of communities. Well-distributed, accessible, and well-maintained greenery could become — backed by growing scientific evidence — one of the most powerful natural preventions against the psychological distress of our time.