LFAS Photo-Mosaic Mural

In his book, “Last Child in The Woods,” Richard Louv coined the term, “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Nature Deficit Disorder is a term used to describe the “psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from nature, particularly for children in their vulnerable developing years” (Louv).

 

 

The growing disconnect between people and nature has been shown to have detrimental impacts. The lack of education about nature has been linked to apathy for environmental issues. Wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman said, “If you can’t name things, how can you love them? And if you don’t love them, then you’re not going to care a hoot about protecting them or voting for issues that would protect them."

 

Louv has also conducted studies that suggest that limited access to nature lowers grades, while students that engage in “outdoor classrooms and other forms of experiential education produce significant student gains in social studies, science, language arts, and math" (Louv).

 

Exposure to nature reduces the the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. Nature also allows for ample room to exercise and be physically active. This physical activity releases endorphins and increases mental and physical health.

 

 

Nature is often used in holistic therapy approaches such as eco theraphy for these reasons. Ecotherapy is a holistic approach to therapy that supports the idea that exposure to nature can improve overall well being. Research suggests that a holistic approach to treatment yields better results than using physcotherapy exclusively because patients are able to use a diverse range of coping skills. Eco therapy can include everything from gardening to exercising in nature. A healthy lifestyle that includes exposure to nature helps people better manage stress and mental illnesses.

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Desiree Chek-Harder

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