The previous three years have taken a toll on the mental health of all Americans, but children have been particularly hard hit.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety doubled during the pandemic, with 25 percent of children experiencing depressive symptoms and 20 percent anxiety symptoms, according to a public health advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General.
“Fort Worth loves its kids and wants them to grow up healthy and happy,” says Tracy Friday, Garden vice president of education and volunteers. “So we’re inviting families with children to Nurtured by Nature at the Garden.”
Held at Carter’s Grove in front of the Garden Center (view on map), Nurtured by Nature: A Mental Wellness Day for Families will include family activities from area organizations including Cook Children’s, MHMR of Tarrant County and the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Nurtured by Nature:
A Mental Wellness Day for Families
at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 2 pm
The event is sponsored by Convening for Children’s Wellbeing, a partnership of 25 Fort Worth-area organizations dedicated to improving the mental health of area children.
“We’re going to have healthy snacks to hand out, and yoga classes for kids,” says Friday. “Pet Partners of North Texas will be bringing their golden retriever therapy dog Lucy. It’s going to be so much fun.”
Best of all, the event will take place outdoors, and guests will receive a free admission pass to the Garden.
“We know that connecting to nature is so important to mental health, both for children and adults,” says Friday.
Friday hopes the weather will cooperate, since the record-breaking summer heat limited time playing outdoors for most families. “At the start of the school year, kids couldn’t go outside for recess because it was too hot,” says Tracy. “So everyone needs time outdoors.”
Nurtured by Nature is a free event with no registration required.
