Photo: Vilda Engström
Gotland, Sweden – Mental health challenges are a significant concern for residents of Gotland, with nearly 39 percent of local sick leave attributed to psychological issues. However, increasing access to nature-based activities may offer a pathway to improved well-being, according to advocates.
Lina Dahlström, chair of Friluftsfrämjandet on Gotland, has urged politicians to make bolstering outdoor recreation a key part of their platforms. “We hope that more Gotland residents suffering from severe mental stress or distress will have the opportunity to participate in nature-based activities,” Dahlström stated. This call to action comes as research continues to demonstrate the positive impact of nature on mental health, including stress reduction, improved recovery, and depression prevention.
Currently, only eight out of Sweden’s 21 regions offer nature-based interventions for mental health concerns. Friluftsfrämjandet, a Swedish organization dedicated to outdoor recreation, provides a range of activities on Gotland, including programs for children and youth like Skogsmulle and Strövare, as well as guided paddling and hiking tours. These activities are led by trained instructors and are designed to be safe, enjoyable, and beneficial for participants of all skill levels.
The organization similarly participated in a “Friluftsdialog” – a dialogue on outdoor life and preparedness – on April 11, 2025, alongside STF Gotland, the County Administrative Board, and the Region Gotland. The event focused on the importance of basic outdoor skills, such as cooking on a camping stove and understanding public access rights, both for recreational purposes and in emergency situations. Contact information for Friluftsfrämjandet Gotland is available through their regional website, and they can be reached at gotland@friluftsframjandet.se.
The growing recognition of the link between nature and mental well-being highlights the potential for preventative and complementary approaches to mental healthcare. Increased access to outdoor activities could represent a valuable tool in addressing the rising rates of psychological distress within the community and beyond.
