Discuss how various environmental factors can significantly impact mental health.
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Environmental Factors and Mental Health
Our physical surroundings play a significant role in our mental health. A lack of access to quality environmental resources can foster a higher degree of stress, depression, and other mental health challenges. This article will discuss how various environmental features influence mental health.
Urbanization
Urban environments are characterized by greater population density, exposure to pollutants, noise, and social chaos. These factors can cumulatively contribute to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. The fast-paced living conditions in cities tend to deprive individuals of necessary downtime, thereby escalating stress levels (Peen, Schoevers, Beekman, & Dekker, 2010).
Light and Noise Pollution
Constant exposure to artificial light and ambient noise can disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms, contributing to poor mental health outcomes. Continued lack of quality sleep can result in an increase in anxiety levels and depressive symptoms, and can even exacerbate existing mental health conditions (Cho & Rhee, 2020).
Access to Nature
On the contrary, nature has been found to have a profound positive impact on our mental health. Activities such as walking in a park can decrease levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. A lack of access to green spaces can therefore limit these benefits, disproportionately affecting people living in densely populated urban areas (Barton & Pretty, 2010).
Climate Change
The effects of climate change such as extreme weather events, heatwaves, and pollution, can impose psychological stress, anxiety, and trauma. This can lead to acute and post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, and anxiety amongst other mental health concerns (Clayton, Manning, Krygsman, & Speiser, 2017).
References
Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis. Enviro. Sci. & Technol, 44(10), 3947–3955. Cho, J. A., & Rhee, M. K. (2020). Parameters of bright light and their impacts on sleep and mental health. Sleep Medicine, 72, 76–85. Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Krygsman, K., & Speiser, M. (2017). Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Implications, and Guidance. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, and ecoAmerica. Peen, J., Schoevers, R. A., Beekman, A. T., & Dekker, J. (2010). The current status of urban-rural differences in psychiatric disorders. Acta Psychiatr Scand, 121(2), 84–93.