Some Implications on Pandemic Green Place Planning and Management: Considering the Patients with Depression

Background and objective: The importance of using green spaces to treat depression caused by reduced face-to-facecontact owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has been emphasized. However, while studies have shown the importance ofusing green spaces during the pandemic, research is lacking on their use to treat and manage depression caused by thepandemic. Methods: This study included in-depth interviews with patients with depression and the general public regarding their useof green spaces during the pandemic, which were analyzed through text mining to suggest alternatives to address theincreasing number of patients with depression during the pandemic. Results: The analysis revealed that the reasons for visiting green spaces during the pandemic were activity (exercise andsocialization) and nature observation (experiencing ecological scenery); patients with depression were more interested inthe activity component. Conclusion: This highlights the necessity of supplementing facilities for exercise and socialization near residential areas totreat depression. Planting of landscape crops to provide landscape resources for the general public is recommended, alongwith policies to prevent natural damage caused by the increased number of visitors to ecological areas.