As prescriptions for antidepressants reach all-time high rates in England, a prominent mental health charity recommends “ecotherapy.”

The British mental health charity Mind reported surprising findings from two studies it commissioned. These show that a simple walk in the country could have significant benefits for people who suffer from depression.

Mind urged doctors to consider alternative treatments to the antidepressants habitually prescribed. The charity said prescriptions of antidepressants were at an all-time high. During 2006, more than 31 million were written, which represents an increase by 6% from 2005.

Prescriptions of drugs such as Prozac have risen by 10 percent. There has been worry in the past several years that antidepressants are linked to suicidal behavior.

Mind said ecotherapy should be considered as a valid alternative to pills.

“Ecotherapy: The Green Agenda For Mental Health” is the first study on the potential benefits of physical exercise for those suffering from depression. The report includes two studies conducted by British researchers.

The first study involved the participation of 20 people with mental problems, which were divided into two groups: a group took a walk in a country park, the other walked around inside a shopping center.

A significant number of participants that had been walking outdoors reported experiencing less anxiety and depression after the stroll. Those that had spent time indoors reported increased levels of stress and tension.

In the second study, an impressive 94% of the 108 participants with mental health problems reported an improved state of mind after similarly “green” exercises.

Mind said medical professionals should resort to alternative therapies, citing the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium and Slovenia, where patients suffering from depression are prescribed “agricultural work.”

In its report, the charity stated that 93% of GPs have prescribed drugs due to lack of alternatives.

For more details about Mind and its report, go to http://www.mind.org.uk/News+policy+and+campaigns/Press/Mind+Week+ecotherapy.htm