The year’s ‘Theme’ is ‘Nature’. Getting out in the fresh air and enjoying nature. Covid-19 outbreak last year clearly pushed millions of people to turn to nature by going for walks outside of their homes etc. More so, research has shown that having contact and interaction with nature can protect our overall mental health and reduce feelings of isolation. Nature is central to our psychological and emotional health and May 2021 is a great time to accept nature as a main benefit to our mental health.
Coronavirus outbreak and the consequent lockdowns resulting in limited human freedom led to the urgent need for nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our empathy, urgent need to belong and creativity. Thus, disclosing the fact that how we interact with nature matters. The social isolation associated with the pandemic and the desperate need to get out for fresh air was a clear indicator that even a very small contact with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation, and so, preventing stress and improving mental health.
Sad to say that many are however not using the resources available for mental health or understand the use of nature. Nature is not a luxury and so it’s available for ALL.
During this pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle. Mostly amongst our youth…. that are the less connected with nature. Special Counselling session that we held in appreciation and support for the very special week has helped many and we hope that people will also continue to earnestly seek to use the services that are made available by the government whilst continuing to seek peace under divine pastoral care.