Grief and loss insurmountably weigh on the victim because losing a person so dear to you is not a thing that goes away in a day. Often one may fall in a trance of thinking it is not real or they are dreaming which is natural regression but if not handled, grief can grow into mental health issues.

The Coronavirus pandemic saw many people finding themselves battling depressive disorders, anxiety and some suicidal thoughts and attempts. This demonstrates how damaging mental health can be to a human mind.

A recent report from Butabika National Referral Hospital, there is an increase in patient enrolment into the facility from 900 to more than 1,000 patients since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Noeline Nakasujja, a professor of psychiatry at Makerere University says that, mental health needs to be handled at a community level as a way of preventing it but also educating individuals on how to avoid it.

“A lack of knowledge is one of the things aggravating mental health problems. We need to strengthen families and homes so that they can support persons undergoing these issues,’’ she said.

Today, many youth experience depression, unexplained sadness and the urge of wanting to be alone for days and this could develop into a serious situation.

Here are some ways how nature can help you recover and keep afloat.

Exercise in nature to find relief

There is nothing that starts off a good day like a walk in nature. The old days gave children a chance to walk barefoot and play in muddy puddles but now, walking barefoot is on the doctor’s recommendation. God surely knew that his people would need a place where healing happens naturally and he gave us nature.

Meditate in green spaces

Nature makes us part of something bigger than ourselves. Even if it means just sitting and relaxing in the compound, it is better medicine for the body. Recently it’s hard to cope, suddenly there is loss of appetite for anything, and the feeling of sadness is common especially after the COVID- 19 pandemic. When you feel uneasy take a meditation break, and let it all happen in nature. Nature is known to stimulate and enhance concentration, good mood combats insomnia.

Embrace open air environments

Closed places can be the source of a low mood and the feeling of containment. The best place to let go and reset is an open air garden or park. Just sit and breathe the fresh air, hear the sound of birds and the thrill of the wind. This alone is enough to do what that depressant tablet is supposed to do. Yes, the doctor is right but can you get out more too so that your brain can experience some diversity.

Busk in the sun

Scientists recommend vitamin D as a cure for multiple diseases. Remember, the sun is free and comes everyday especially in Uganda. Morning sun which is a major source of vitamin D, strengthens bones, and contributes to the wellbeing of the human body. It is also very important when it comes to dealing with distress. Firstly, it will help with your eye health but will also help boost your mood, help you feel warm and give you a fresh start of the day.

Explore new places in nature

When you’re sad, travel; when your happy, travel; when your confused, travel; if you didn’t know, travel. It is therapy and many people have discovered that. Expanding you exploration in nature will offer you a new perspective of life and allow you to embrace a new mind-set. Grief and loss is a difficult time but a new environment will have you appreciating the good and letting go of the negatives.