Gardening and Mental Health

                   

One constant in life that gives me hope and enjoyment is working with my hands and nature to grow and produce flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Almost 2 years ago I had a breakdown after losing my employment. This caused me to have issues with trust, socialising, confidence and even leaving the house. I was diagnosed as suffering from anxiety and depression. I am still on medication for these mental health difficulties, having various ups and downs in my daily life. 

My allotment is my sanctuary and without which, being unemployed, my diet and well being would have been seriously lacking. Recently I have applied to a local community gardening initiative Edible Estates to volunteer my abilities in the hope this will also benefit me in social reintegration. Another centre I went to was Space whose introduction is

Our vision at Space, and the new Broomhouse Hub, is:

‘to nurture, support and inspire, so that lives are fuller, potential is fulfilled and community connections flourish.’

I have a bad habit of not throwing things away so I have many plants that I've split from my houseplants requiring new homes. Thankfully The Hub at Space has welcomed my offer of free plants so I can get my dining table back 😀

Here are a few interesting documentaries, on YouTube, I've watched recently on the subject of gardening that I thought might be of interest:

Agroecology in Cuba

Agroecology in Europe

Living Soil