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Pain and fatigue, subjectively experienced, are two of the commonest complaints made by patients suffering from a variety of psychoneurotic and psychotic disorders. Neither phenomenon has so far been adequately studied with the available objective techniques, and the present paper embodies results of preliminary experimental investigations of fatigue and pain tolerance, together with a review of some of the clinical aspects of the problem.In psychiatric disorders pain rarely produces overt signs which allow the observer to judge its severity, and the excruciating pain complained of by some patients appears to be accompanied by much less emotional reaction than, for example, the pain experienced by the normal individual after a burn, a crushed finger, or an abdominal catastrophe.

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Background The postnatal period is a vulnerable time for mothers to experience stress and mental health difficulties. There is increasing evidence that spending time in nature is beneficial for wellbeing. Nature-based interventions have been developed to support mental health, but not specifically tailored for mothers during the postnatal period. Understanding mothers’ views and experiences of nature would help determine the suitability for and potential impact of such interventions on postnatal wellbeing. Aims To explore mothers’ views on the impact of spending time in nature on their postnatal mental wellbeing. Methods Focus groups were held with mothers of young children (under five), including mothers from migrant and refugee communities, mothers living with mental health difficulties, and disabled mothers. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four focus groups were held, with a total of 30 participants. Six themes were developed: (1) mothers’ experiences of what constitutes ‘nature’; (2) sensing nature improves wellbeing; (3) natural spaces facilitate human connection; (4) nature provides escape and relief from daily indoor stressors; (5) nature allows new perspectives; and (6) mothers face a variety of environmental, practical, psychological, physical, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers to spending time in nature during the postnatal period. Conclusions Mothers report significant benefits to their postnatal wellbeing when spending time in nature. Further research is warranted to understand whether nature-based interventions have the potential to support postnatal wellbeing, socially, mentally, and physically.

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