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Purpose This study explored the experiences of people with stress-related illness participating in a nature-based intervention programme in a northern natural setting. Methods A longitudinal case study was conducted with two women participating in a nature-based intervention programme on a farm. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, diaries, rating scales, and self-assessment. Qualitative data were analysed by qualitative content analysis and quantitative data are presented descriptively. Results The theme of finding a source for recovery and well-being permeates all categories. The participants perceived the farm and nature to be a calming refuge; they learned to be in the present and could manage the tasks. In togetherness with each other and the facilitator on the farm they felt understood and confident, experienced joy, and found opportunities for change. They gained knowledge and positive memories and found new approaches in life. Self-assessment questionnaires indicated improvements of functioning in everyday life and reduced stress-related exhaustion at the end of the NBI programme. Conclusions Nature-based interventions lasting for a relatively short period seem to promote health and may be a complement to other treatments of stress-related illness. Further research is needed with a larger number of participants and in various natural settings.PurposeThis study explored the experiences of people with stress-related illness participating in a nature-based intervention programme in a northern natural setting. Validerad;2022;Nivå 2;2022-11-29 (sofila);Funder: European Union New Nordic Nature Based Service Models

Background: Sick leave due to stress-related mental ill health increases in society. In occupational therapy, occupational balance is considered important for experiencing health and well-being. Thus, knowledge regarding occupational balance and occupational value constitute essential parts of occupational therapists' work with people suffering from occupational ill health. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyse the relationships between sociodemographic factors, occupational value, occupational balance and perceived health in people suffering from occupational ill health. Methods: In a quantitative cross-sectional study data from a total of 218 individuals were included, 192 women, 22 men and 4 individuals who did not specify their gender. Data were collected by means of surveys prior to an occupational therapy intervention. The instruments used included OVal-pd, OBQ, EQ5D and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were analysed using regression and decision tree analysis. Results: The results show that individuals who experience an imbalance in their everyday life and who have few or no experiences of daily occupations imprinted by socio-symbolic occupational value experienced lower perceived health. Conclusions: Low level of experiences of balance in daily life and occupational value seems to be the main risk factors for the development of occupational ill health, rather than sociodemographic factors.

Overexposure to mental stress throughout life is a significant risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. The immune system can initiate a physiological response, releasing stress hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines, in response to stressors. These effects can overcome allostatic physiological mechanisms and generate a pro-inflammatory environment with deleterious effects if occurring chronically. Previous studies in our lab have identified key anti-inflammatory properties of a bioavailable polyphenolic preparation BDPP and its ability to mitigate stress responses via the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent responses. Inflammasome activation is part of the first line of defense against stimuli of different natures, provides a rapid response, and, therefore, is of capital importance within the innate immunity response. malvidin-3-O-glucoside (MG), a natural anthocyanin present in high proportions in grapes, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of MG on inflammasome-induced inflammation in vitro and in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Here, it is shown that MG is an anti-pyroptotic phenolic metabolite that targets NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasomes, subsequently reducing caspase-1 and IL-1β protein levels in murine primary cortical microglia and the brain, as its beneficial effect to counteract anxiety and depression is also demonstrated. The present study supports the role of MG to mitigate bacterial-mediated inflammation (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) in vitro and CUS-induced behavior impairment in vivo to address stress-induced inflammasome-mediated innate response.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe how women with stress-related illness experience well-being in everyday life. Methods: The study was based on a reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach and the methodological principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. Twelve women, aged 27–54 years, diagnosed with stress-related illness were included. Data were collected with lifeworld interviews based on photographs taken by the women relating to well-being in everyday life. The data were analysed for meaning. Results: Well-being emerged in situations where women could feel an unconditional beingness. This entails not having demands on oneself and includes some form of freedom from having to perform. The surroundings and supportive environments are important for this unconditional beingness to be present. In order to feel well-being in everyday life, the women need to balance their energy and find helpful tools that can achieve a balance in everyday life. Conclusions: Healthcare staff need to understand the importance of unconditional beingness in supportive environments for patients living with stress-related illness in order to support their health and well-being. It is also important to support patients in finding helpful tools that can aid them to achieve a balance in everyday life.