Publish date: 12 May 2021

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we hear from Craig and Theo, two CAMHS service users who share their thoughts on what nature means to them and how it improves their mental wellbeing. 

How does nature make you feel?

Craig, 18 years old: “Nature makes me feel very relaxed. The range of colours are therapeutic. Nature makes me feel very happy and special to be a part of God’s beautiful creation.”

Theo, 17 years old: “Nature makes me feel a range of different emotions. It makes me feel safe and I feel like every element of nature of beautiful. When I am in nature, I don’t feel like I need to hide anything, I can be myself in nature. I am grateful to wake up and see the beautiful colours each day.

What parts of nature makes you feel happy or peaceful?

Craig: “Nature makes me feel very relaxed; the range of colours are therapeutic. Nature makes me feel very happy and special to be a part of God’s beautiful creation. My favourite memory of nature is when I went to Greece and I walked by the beach during the evening. I saw the beautiful sunset and listened to the waves crashing. 

Theo: “Every part of nature makes me feel happy, I like the woods and trees. I like water (but not sand) and I enjoy the different colours in the rainbow.”