Living closer to the sea is beneficial for mental health: study

If you live next to the sea or are within the half mile radius of the sea, there is a good news for you. According to a brand new study, living next to the sea is good for your mental health. The study conducted by a group of researchers also said that people living near the sea are less likely to experience mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

The research team added that the results added that the coast act like a ‘protective zone’ for psychological wellbeing. It also highlighted the importance of ‘so-called’ Blue Health, a term that refers to the link between natural environment and health.

After the study, the research team discovered that people, who live within a kilometre of the coast, are 22% more likely to have symptoms of mental health disorder, when compared to people who live 50 kilometres away.

Jo Garrett, lead author of the study, said: “Our research suggests, for the first time, that people in poorer households living close to the coast experience fewer symptoms of mental health disorders. When it comes to mental health, this ‘protective’ zone could play a useful role in helping to level the playing field between those on high and low income.


Environmental psychologist Mathew White added: “This kind of research into blue health is vital to convincing governme nts to protect, create and encourage the use of coastal spaces. “We need to help policy makers understand how to maximimise the wellbeing benefits of ‘blue’ spaces and ensure that access is fair and inclusive for everyone”