Outdoor therapies to cure depression?

[AB Asks]

The number of prescriptions for anti-depressants being handed out has hit an all time high. There was a 6 per cent rise in 2006 on the number of prescriptions for drugs like Prozac being handed out. Giving out these kinds of drugs is the only option for some doctors. Other countries such as Germany and Belgium prescribe agricultural work. Research in this country compared having a walk in a shopping centre to taking a walk in the country. The results showed that more people felt less depressed after taking a walk in the country. What do you think? Could these outdoor alternative therapies curb Britain's depressed nation? Or are anti-depressants an easier and more convenient way to cope with this?

[4getmenot]

I quite like that idea. All too often doctors are ready to hand out the pills and yer they may make people feel good for a while but at some point they have to come off them or they become addicted. I am for anything that could help people without the over-use of pills.

[Reverandfunk]

A good slap often helps along with the sentance "Pull yourself together man/woman" lol

Like everything else Prozac, Valium whatever is just an easy fix for today never mind tomorrow. I've had panic attacks in the past and medication does no good, it's a whole lifestyle and attitude thing you need to focus upon.

[4getmenot]

its often gets me wondering if pill taking is just in the mind anyway

[Reverandfunk]

Some of the pills I've taken definately not lol

[4getmenot]

I think docs should hand out tickets to the Caribbean So they can lie on the beach and wish their cares away. Man I�m depressed.

[RATTER15]

I'm sure a walk in the country will do a lot of good for people suffering from depression and many other maladies unfortunately its not that easy to for city dwellers, the disabled etc and many of these sufferers are depressed because of these circumstances.

I am fortunate enough to live 10 minutes walk from the sea and in a very quiet country lane and a good walk with the dog soon sorts me out!!

[LLASY]

I have suffered from depression for the last 15 years, I have 3 Labradors and I walk at least 3 miles a day, it is beneficial but does not cure this debilitating illness. Any one that has suffered will know that it is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can only be corrected with drugs. I agree it is not a final cure but, until someone comes up with one, I am going to keep popping the pills because if I don't my life is unbearable. I also have to consider the dreadful affect it has on my family. Three Cheers For Fluoxetine!!!!!

[ruthann58]

i agree with llasy i have two dogs and a horse so get plenty of exercise and fresh air but still suffer. if you have from diabetes you take insulin that is how my doctor explained it to me

[alijangra]

Whilst anti-depressants are an essential part of treating clinical depression, they are definitely handed out too readily. Many people just have to mention feeling a bit down in the dumps and GPs are handing out Prozac. Clinical depression is a lot more serious than 'feeling down' and I feel anti-depressants should only be prescribed following a psychiatric evaluation with a consultant psychiatrist with adequate follow up and support. Depression is becoming the new back pain ie the invisible illness that record numbers of people are claiming to have in order to get off work and be paid for it. This in turn cripples the NHS who cannot possibly offer psychiatric consults and counselling for everyone and it is the genuinely unwell people who are the losers in this situation.

[Skreecheeboy]

In my humble opinion anti-depressants are a cop out for the vast majority of people that take them but unfortunately they are also addictive which puts the folk that don't really need them in a very difficult position in that they can't get off them once their hooked. Shame really. I don't think people are worned well enough and assessed properly before being put on them and concur wholeheartedly that the outdoors is vastly benefitial to those suffering depression.