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Mental health challenges are a major public health concern in Sweden, costing the nation an estimated 345 billion Swedish krona annually in direct and indirect expenses, according to the government’s national action plan. In the Sörmland region, for example, 46 percent of sick leave cases are attributed to mental health conditions.
Research suggests that spending time in nature may be part of the solution. Being outdoors can reduce stress and improve well-being, offering a potential avenue for supporting mental health initiatives. This finding underscores the growing recognition of the interconnectedness between environmental factors and public health outcomes.
