Wish you were here... Living by the sea can cut depression Trolls who prey on distressed children online
A TRIP to the seaside can be a powerful tonic to lift the spirits.
But a study suggests it can even reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Scientists found homeowners who live less than a mile from the sea are 22 per cent less likely to suffer mental health problems than those who live more than 30 miles inland.
The benefits may be particularly striking for those in the poorest fifth of households, on less than £11,000 a year. They are 40 per cent less likely to face anxiety and depression than hard-up people further away, the study found.
Lead author Dr Jo Garrett, from Exeter University, said: ‘The coast is particularly important for those with lower incomes who are more vulnerable to mental health difficulties.’
The study of nearly 26,000 people, published in the journal Health And Place, found living near the sea appeared to be better for mental health than either green spaces or freshwater features such as a lake or stream.
Study co-author Dr Mathew White, an environmental psychologist at the University of Exeter, said: ‘This kind of research is vital to convincing governments to protect, create and encourage the use of coastal spaces.’ PUPILS are putting themselves at risk of online bullying by posting sad revelations about their lives, a report warns.
The trend of ‘sadfishing’ involves youngsters sharing their stories on Facebook and other social media sites in the hope of receiving sympathy and attracting more followers.
The term was coined after celebrities such as reality TV star Kendall Jenner were accused of posting about personal issues to drum up publicity.
A study by Digital Awareness UK (DAUK) says such action is likely to backfire and could leave youngsters vulnerable to online groomers, who prey on them by providing sympathy to gain their trust.
The report says: ‘DAUK is concerned about the number of students who are bullied for sadfishing (through comments on social media, on messaging apps or face-to-face), thus exacerbating what could be a serious mental health problem.’