Healing Through the Garden: How Gardening Helps Alleviate PTSD Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that many people struggle with after experiencing severe trauma. It can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and emotional numbness, making daily life challenging. While therapy, medication, and other traditional forms of treatment are essential for managing PTSD, gardening is emerging as a surprisingly effective complementary therapy . For many individuals, tending to plants and connecting with nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of control over their surroundings. Gardening offers a variety of therapeutic benefits, ranging from the physical act of caring for plants to the emotional and psychological satisfaction that comes with seeing growth and change. The gentle, restorative nature of gardening has been shown to help people living with PTSD feel more grounded, calm, and focused. Whether it’s planting a tree or nurturing flowers, the earth's healing power is an experience many peop...