Thread! @wellcometrust @mirandarwolpert funded us to review the evidence for better access to green spaces as an Active Ingredient for preventing anxiety and depression in young people (aged 14-24 years). Led by Dr Issy Bray @PublicHealthUWE, with me @UWE_SPE, and @fam6 1/10.

We reviewed academic literature and spoke to young people with lived experience of anxiety and depression. 1 in 5 young people aged 15-24 have symptoms of depression or anxiety, and suicide is the third leading cause of death in older adolescents. We found that: 2/10

A 15-minute walk in an urban park (compared with a street with traffic) reduces anxiety by 14 to 19%, and a 15-minute walk in a forest reduces anxiety by 23 to 31%. 3/10

Young people who have higher levels of vegetation within 500m of their home have (improved mindfulness and resilience and) reduced risk of anxiety and depression. 4/10

Being in green spaces encourages young people to take a break from screens and social media. Social media activity is correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. 5/10

Green environments reduce perceived noise and provide a space for young people to relax. Traffic increases feelings of anxiety and anger. Trees reduce noise and pollution from traffic, which have harmful effects on young people’s physical and mental health. 6/10

Observing nature promotes mindfulness, which helps young people to deal with stress. 7/10

We need to prioritise increasing vegetation throughout the urban environment, which can include parks, but also street trees and other landscaping. Open green space is needed to feel safe - dense trees in cities can feel oppressive and unsafe. 8/10

Crucially, young people often UNDERESTIMATE the benefits of being in green spaces for their mental health. Our young people highlighted how their use of green spaces reduced their anxiety and depression particularly during lockdown 9/10

We hope to publish our findings soon, but in the meantime here is an infographic! 10/10 @PublicHealthUWE @UWE_SPE @UWE_Research @UWEArchBuiltEnv