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As Emily Dickinson wrote, “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers.”
Birds can be a key component in reigniting hope.
According to a study published in Scientific Reports, having many birds in a neighborhood has been shown to have a correlation to lower levels of depression and anxiety, which are mental health conditions linked to substance use disorders. Bird songs may contribute to this, as listening to them has been shown to improve wellbeing.
It provides a reason for people to go outside, keeping them more physically active, which in turn can further benefit their mental health. Being out in nature also has numerous health benefits, which only add to the advantageous nature of bird watching.
One of the best parts is that bird watching is an accessible hobby that can be picked up by anyone, including people recovering from substance use disorders.
Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore has offered bird watching opportunities with rangers who can point out specific birds to help beginner bird watchers. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Coyote Hills Regional Park, and many other local parks offer similar sessions so people with no experience can start bird watching.
There are dozens of species right outside the door, even though it may not seem like it at first. Even without the aforementioned programs, people can easily identify birds through apps, such as Merlin Bird ID, using audio or photos, helping them learn what different species may inhabit their backyards.
Implementing bird watching together with professional help can be an effective way for people struggling with substance use disorders to recover.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
