Nature deficit disorder : causes, effects, prevention

Last Updated on December 6, 2022 by Dr. Saqib Mueed

Nature deficit disorder is a mental health condition that is caused by a lack of exposure to natural environments. This type of disorder is mostly seen in children.  Symptoms of nature deficit disorder may include feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed when away from natural environments, feeling restless or irritable when in natural environments, and having difficulty concentrating or completing tasks when in natural environments.

Nature deficit disorder can be a difficult condition to treat, and treatment typically includes spending time in natural environments and engaging in activities that are associated with the environment, such as hiking, biking, or camping. In some cases, treatment may also include medication or therapy.

Nature deficit disorder is relatively rare, and most people who experience it do not experience any long-term problems. However, nature deficit disorder can be a debilitating condition, and people who experience it should seek professional help.

Causes 

Most experts believe that nature deficit disorder is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people are simply born with a less-than-strong connection to nature, while others may experience a traumatic event that disrupts their relationship with nature. The other factor like urban life without nature, a strict family environment, depression, anxiety, Parent attention, and cultural strictness. 

Effects 

Effects of Nature deficit disorder can manifest in a number of ways. Some children experience a lack of interest in nature, while others find that they have a hard time focusing or concentrating when outside. Some people also find that they have a hard time relaxing, feeling happy, or enjoying simple things in nature.

Nature deficit disorder can be a serious problem if it is not treated. It can also lead to a number of other problems, including depression, anxiety, and a lack of self-confidence. If you are suffering from the effects of nature deficit disorder, it is important to seek help. There are a number of treatments available, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

How to prevent nature deficit disorder

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to preventing nature deficit disorder, as the condition is highly individualized. However, some general tips that may help include:

• Change the time from TV, computer, and video games and expand these times with open-air activity.
• Parents and educational institutions must take the contract to avoid the addition of Nature deficit disorder in children with their strict rules and regulations.
• Many children have activities in the houses and have no time for open-air movement give time to them naturally.
• Many summers campus advice to inspire children in open-air activities.
• Built recycling program in home plants a garden to get betterment from the fruits which are growing in the garden.
• Get exposure to natural environments. This can be done through travelling to natural areas, spending time outdoors in nature, or even looking at nature photographs.
• Get active. Including physical activity in your day-to-day routine can help to boost your mood and increase your overall sense of well-being.
• Connect with nature. Spending time in nature can help you connect with your natural environment and thus help to alleviate feelings of nature deficit.
• Be patient. It can take time for people to adjust to a natural environment. Be patient and allow yourself time to adjust. ^[1]Microsoft Word – C&NNEvidenceoftheDeficit_01.3ap.doc (drboulet.com) ^[2]Addressing “Nature-Deficit Disorder”: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study of Young Adults Attending a Wilderness Camp (hindawi.com) ^[3]https://www.witpress.com/Secure/elibrary/papers/SDP20/SDP20033FU1.pdf ^[4]Nature-deficit disorder: evidence, dosage, and treatment: Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events: Vol 5, No 2 (tandfonline.com)

Benefits for children of spending time in Nature

There are the following benefits of spending time in Nature.

• Connecting with nature produces higher self admire.
• The children who are connected with nature improved their civil skills.
• Nature increased touching and intellective development in the people who are connected with nature.
• Spending the most time with nature to create a healthy mind, body, and boldness.
• People who are connected with nature have the ability to clone with stress.
• Nature enhances awareness, analysis, and consideration in people who are connected with it.
• People who are connected with nature have more awareness of their surroundings.
• Nature decreased fear in children who are connected with it and improved antithesis in them.
• Nature creates more adaptability in children who are connected with it.
• Nature produces an understanding the nature‘s cycle in the people. ^[5]Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature – Child Mind Institute ^[6]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255701428_Putting_Nature_back_into_Nurture_The_Benefits_of_Nature_for_Children ^[7]https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/benefits_of_connecting_children_with_nature_infosheet.pdf

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shahid Bukhari

MBBS, FCPS (Medicine)

Ex. Registrar DOW Medical College Karachi

Medical Officer Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi

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