During difficult times, it can be tough to find something to lift your spirits. For my mom and me, that light came in the form of a terrace garden. What began as a small, shared project quickly grew into a therapeutic retreat, bringing us immense amount of joy, peace, & a purpose that helped us cope with depression. Here is how our terrace garden changed our lives & became a powerful tool in our mental health journey.
1. Finding Healing in Nature
Experts say that time spent in nature has a very significant positive impact on an individual’s mental health. The fresh air, greenery, & a break from daily stress all contribute to reducing symptoms of anxiety & depression. This is precisely what we found on our terrace. Surrounded by green plants and colorful flowers, we created a mini-oasis that felt like a world away from the heaviness of our thoughts and anxiety. For my mom, who had struggled with long-term depression, this small garden offered a sense of tranquillity she had not felt in years.
2. Creating Routine & Purpose
One of the toughest challenges in the process of battling depression is feeling disconnected & unmotivated. Creating a terrace garden required us to show up consistently. No matte if it was watering the plants, pruning the leaves, or checking on new blooms, we had tasks that needed our attention every single day. This routine gave us a sense of responsibility and purpose, especially on days when getting out of bed felt like a big challenge. The garden reminded us that growth takes time, & it was a lesson we could see reflected in our own healing.
3. A Source of Shared Joy
The journey of creating & caring for our terrace garden brought my mom & me closer. We planned together, debated over which plants to purchase, and celebrated each new leaf, flower, or tomato that sprouted. These small moments of joy & laughter that became our anchors, helping us stay connected to each other and giving us something positive to talk about. Gardening became a shared passion, and that companionship was a comfort to us both.
4. Physical Activity & Mindfulness
Gardening may seem like a simple activity, but it requires a whole lot of bending, stretching, & moving around. This gentle exercise boosted our energy and, at the same time, contributed to an overall sense of well-being that made us feel better from our within. Additionally, gardening encouraged a lot of mindfulness, grounding us in the present as we tended to each single plant. It is easy to lose yourself in the procedure, noticing the feel of soil, the scent of flowers, & the sounds of birds. Being in the moment like this helped calm our minds, allowing us to experience immense peace of mind without bearing the weight of past regrets or future anxieties.
5. Watching Something Grow
Depression often makes everything feel stagnant, but gardening reminded us of life’s natural cycles which brought us to the main stream of life. Watching seeds sprout into plants & blooms brought a sense of hope & renewal, a belief that beauty can emerge from a seemingly lifeless place which is nothing less than a wonder happening in front of your eyes. Our garden became a symbol of resilience & growth, inspiring us to stay patient and fully hopeful in our personal journey.
Conclusion: A Green Path to Healing
Our very own terrace garden became much more than a hobby; it was a lifeline. As we nurtured our plants, we found ourselves healing, little by little. For anyone who is dealing with depression, starting a garden—no matter how small—could be a step toward hope. Gardening taught us how to increase our patience, brought us closer, and helped us rediscover the beauty around and within us. We are forever grateful for the healing space we created on our terrace, and for the life it breathed back into ours.
