Richard Louv, a journalist in San Diego is credited with pioneering ecopsychology and coining the term Nature Deficit Disorder. So, what is nature deficit disorder and why does it matter?
What is Nature Deficit Disorder?
Here at mindful rewilding we talk about mindfulness in nature and ecopsychology – a lot. You’ve probably read our blogs on ecopsychology, Attention Restoration Theory and as a result, nature on prescription. Nature deficit disorder (NDD) has a huge amount in common with all of these areas. It’s not the same as other disorders and you won’t find it in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. Moreover, there’s no pharmacological intervention to treat this disorder. Why? It refers to our alienation from the natural world. Nature Deficit Disorder recognises that we spend less time in nature than ever before. As a result, physical, cognitive and psychological costs associated with our disconnection from nature are enormous.
Why we need mindfulness in nature
NDD isn’t a medical diagnosis, it’s more of a metaphor. It draws attntion to our innate need for connect with nature. Richard Louv, co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network and author of Last Child in the Woods, The Nature Principle has worked extensively to place NDD on the agenda.
Louv highlights the human cost of this disconnect is:
- Reduced focus
- Emotional and physical illnesses
- Adult and childhood obesity
- Vitamin D deficiencies
Moreover, the less time we spend in nature, the less pro environmental we are. Consequently, that’s not good news for us (or the planet). As a result, we believe mindful rewilding is the antidote to our alienation from the earth. Louv draws attention to research demonstrating that when we spend time in nature, for instance, we’re:
- Calmer
- Less anxious
- More confident
- Able to focus
- Our physical & emotional health improves
Discover more about mindful rewilding, mindfulness in nature and ecopsychology on our courses. Or get in touch with us here at mindful rewilding, we’d love to hear from you.
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