Working on a Farm can Ease the Effects of Mental Illness

I just recently spotted an article on the Reuters Newsletter from the UK about how visits to a farm can ease mental illness. This article by Alister Doyle an Environment Correspondent, states that a study done by Norwegian scientists, published this last Friday, says that, “spending time on a farm looking after cows, horses, or other animals and experience can help people with mental illness better manage their anxieties and increase their confidence.” This new idea of bringing patients out side in order to lessen their suffering is called “Green Care.”

“Looking after and having contact with farm animals has some positive effects on psychiatric patients with a diversity of serious illnesses,” said lead author Bente Berget of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Aas, west Norway.

It has been known and understood for sometime that pets can have a positive effect on a patients; however, pets require a 24-hour commitment which in its self can be stressful. With visits to the farm, the only commitment comes from the amount of time you spend at the farm.

If you are interested in reading the full story, visit uk.reuters.com.