Green spaces and nature are “silent companions” that gently embrace our hearts
By RISC | 2 months ago
Did you know that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year—that’s one person every 40 seconds? Each loss leaves behind deep emotional scars for families, friends, and society as a whole.In Thailand, the situation is equally concerning, with over 4,500–5,000 deaths by suicide annually, or more than 12 lives lost each day. These numbers highlight the urgent need for collective action to prevent such tragic and avoidable losses.While suicide is a complex issue, prevention can begin with everday actions, such as:📌 Nurturing warm and supportive family relationships📌 Listening with openness and empathy, without judgment📌 Encouraging access to mental health services free from stigma📌 Creating safe environments where people feel comfortable sharing their feelings These small efforts form an “emotional shield,” helping vulnerable individuals feel less alone.Beyond these emotional protections, our surroundings—especially green spaces and nature—also play a vital role in safeguarding mental health and reducing suicide risk.Green spaces do more than beautify cities; they improve health and quality of life by contributing to:📌 Environmental benefits, such as carbon capture and water purification📌 Physical health, by reducing air pollution and cooling urban heat📌 Mental health, by lowering stress and fostering calmnessOne large-scale study in Wales which analyzed data from over 2 million people over 10 years found that individuals living in greenery or water faced a lower risk of anxiety and depression.Promoting the creation and use of green spaces—and ensuring they are well-developed, maintained, and accessible—is especially important in high-stress areas, such as dense urban neighborhoods, noisy work environments, or communities lacking recreational areas. This ensure equal access to mental health benefits that nature provides.Green spaces and nature truly are “silent companions,” quietly supporting our well-being – whether through a nearby park, a shaded walking path, or natural areas integrated into schools, workplaces, and homes. Projects like The Forestias, which incorporates extensive forest areas for long-term sustainability, embody this vision: creating restorative environments that clam the mind, reduce stress, and renew the spirit to help us move forward.Story by Sittha Preedapirat, Senior Researcher, Brain Computer Interface, Happiness Science Hub, RISCReference byGeary, R. S., Thompson, D., Mizen, A., Akbari, A., Garrett, J. K., Rowney, F. M., … Rodgers, S. E. (2023). Ambient greenness, access to local green spaces, and subsequent mental health: A 10-year longitudinal dynamic panel study of 2·3 million adults in Wales. Lancet Planetary Health, 7(10), e809–e818. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00212-7Twohig-Bennett, C., & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166, 628–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030Triguero-Mas, M., Dadvand, P., Cirach, M., Martínez, D., Medina, A., Mompart, A., Basagaña, X., Gražulevičienė, R., & Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2015). Natural outdoor environments and mental and physical health: Relationships and mechanisms. Environment International, 77, 35–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2015.01.012World Health Organization. (2025). World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2025World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2023). Assessing the value of urban green and blue spaces for health and well-being. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/367630กรมสุขภาพจิต. (n.d.). รายงานสถานการณ์การฆ่าตัวตายในประเทศไทย ปีงบประมาณ 2566. https://suicide.dmh.go.th/news/view.asp?id=92