Sustainability and Mental Health I

You may have seen on Twitter that I am lucky enough to be running a Sustainability and Mental Health Conference as part of my job on 12 October.  I will write part II of this blog after the conference to reflect on the event and the speakers and discussion that I pick up on during the day.  Of course, had resources allowed I would like to have done more than just run a half-day conference, but it's still better than nothing and allows people to understand the links between what sustainability is perceived as, and mental health care and recovery.

Martineau Gardens near Birmingham

My conclusion prior to the event - after which I suspect this conclusion will be reinforced - is that sustainability and mental health recovery, in particular, are part of the same thing.

First of all, what do we mean by 'sustainability?'  It's such a broad term, a bit like 'environment' or 'resilience.'  I'm not going to bore you by providing a series of definitions that exist on sustainability, such as 'living within our means both now and in the future,' but this is the general premise.  One issue I still have to grapple with as part of my day job is that when people say the word 'sustainability' they instantly think of 'climate change,' or at the very least 'the environment.'  I think in most cases by 'environment' we're referring to things like nature - trees, forests, animals etc.

This isn't wrong, and indeed climate change and the natural environment are hugely important components of a 'sustainable' future.  Incidentally, both of these aspects are being hugely neglected at present, I believe. 

However, sustainability is also about addressing health inequalities, improving economic productivity and achieving social justice.  Ensuring that this country can overcome its current NHS crisis, for example, is hugely important for sustainability, otherwise millions of vulnerable people and those with health - physical and mental - problems will be at risk, which of course is not remotely sustainable for our future.  Sustainability is about everything and everyone - which is why the term isn't too helpful in many ways.

Indeed, the vision of the organisation I work for is: "By 2020 businesses and communities are thriving in a West Midlands that is environmentally sustainable and socially just." Businesses suggests economy, social justice suggests fairness and wellbeing. 'Environmental' is just one part of it.

So, with all this in mind, ensuring that our mental health care is 'sustainable' is massively important in terms of us achieving this vision, but also for the country as a whole.  Like the NHS, it isn't inaccurate to say that mental health care is currently in crisis; I recently attend North Staffs Mind's 40th anniversary lecture which focused on this very issue. So looking at how you can combine different aspects of sustainability to improve mental health care and the livelihoods of patients, without relying as heavily on the NHS, is crucial.  Indeed, to call the forthcoming conference 'Sustainability and Mental Health Conference' is almost inaccurate - as they are part of the same thing.

But there are small things that individuals with mental health problems can do themselves to help in their recovery and make it less likely of their need to be a burden on the NHS. Because let's face it - every single one of us is a burden on our NHS at the moment as we collectively abuse such a wonderful system.  There are various academic studies and practical examples that provide the evidence for the benefits of undertaking these 'small things,' which I won't quote here as there are too many, and because the Conference on 12 October will do a lot of this for me.  However, in summary, some of the brief examples are:

- Walking, especially in the countryside. Those who have followed my blog for the past four or so years will understand my passion around this and how it has benefited me over the years.  Walking is not only good environmentally - getting out of the car - and for your physical health, but there is strong evidence to support the mental health benefits too. That's why I'm delighted that Living Streets will be speaking at the Conference on 12th.

- Cycling - much the same as walking.  It is more vigorous and physically stimulating and may not be beneficial for those, like myself, who suffered badly from health anxiety (heart rate increase = thoughts of a heart attack = panic attack... etc) but over time it can be equally as beneficial.  Indeed, I have started cycling in the past few months and I'm reaping the benefits.  Sadly in both the cases of walking and cycling, our country is wedded to and has been designed for the car - hence why there is an obesity epidemic and public transport provision and infrastructure is being slashed.

- Gardening/horticulture. Now this isn't something I know much about so I'm keen to listen to the Director of Martineau Gardens at the conference. They offer something called 'horticultural therapy' which in simplistic terms allows people in mental health recovery to help in the Gardens.  It can be relaxing and rewarding and of course, gardening and improving green spaces more generally is good for the environment.  Far too much of our land is being paved on at present, damaging wildlife and causing more flash flooding, to name but two examples.  There is also the wonderful NHS Forests initiative; some hospitals that have taken up this programme have effectively developed a forest within their grounds that offers a calming place for recovery of patients of both physical and mental health issues.

Negative consequences of our environment can also cause mental distress. One key example of this is flooding, which, if severe or frequent enough, can cause significant levels of anxiety and depression in people whose homes get washed out.  People with pre-existing mental health conditions are also less likely to be prepared or aware of extreme weather events, such as a heatwave, leading to a greater risk of physical problems and, lo and behold, an even more negative impact on mental health.  Such cycles are only likely to worsen in future.  I'm pleased that Public Health England, who are supporting the conference, will be talking about this very issue.

I could go on, as there will be numerous other examples where sustainability refers to both improving the environment and people's mental health as part of the same thing. The two agendas should be worked on together, as almost always something that improves our struggling environment will also have a positive impact on people's mental health and wellbeing, thus alleviating pressure on our creaking NHS.

I'm so pleased that I am in a job that allows me to run this conference.  It won't be groundbreaking, that's for sure, but what it will do is showcase some excellent examples of local action that benefits 'sustainability' - in all of its forms.  That, combined with attendance from a passionate and compassionate bunch of delegates, from the NHS, local authorities and elsewhere, who strive every day to do their best for the world and their patients.

I will blog again after the conference and share my thoughts from the day.  Before then, I'm off to Wales (as it now tradition - fifth year running!) on Tuesday to Saturday for a break filled with sustainable walking.  

Best wishes
Al