Environmental factors influence mental health

Having poor mental health is likely the result of several circumstances. These factors play a role in genetics, personal history, nutrition, and lifestyle. However, while attempting to dissect the reasons for our difficulties with mental health, many of us forget to consider one of the most critical variables of all: the environment in which we spend our lives daily.

When attempting to treat any mental health condition, it is essential to consider the setting in which the patient lives and works since this is part of the larger context of their existence. A competent counsellor is aware of this fact. If you’re confused about whether or not the things in your surroundings have an impact mental health, let’s go through a few instances very quickly:

Physical factors

Physical environmental factors are referred to as ‘hard’ factors since they are produced by ecological items such as noise, heat, toxins, etc. They are often associated with so-called “soft” social variables, although they may also develop independently.

Sleep deficiency

It is common knowledge that not getting enough sleep or having an unfavourable sleep pattern is detrimental to mental health. Several environmental elements have the potential to alter one’s sleep cycles; however, not all of these things are within our control. It is possible that several factors, including but not limited to noisy neighbours, a nearby road that is loud, evenings that are either too hot or too cold, creaky architecture, etc., could lead to poor sleep and, as a result, a decline in mental health.

Environmental pollution

A child’s risk of acquiring depression later in life is increased fourfold if they are exposed to “filthy air” when they are still young. This may be due to other environmental variables; nonetheless, it is essential to take notice of the risk since polluted places generally incorporate more of the causes on this list than simply air pollution.

Unhealthy working circumstances

In the context of one’s place of employment, the term “hazardous” may relate to more than simply the potential for bodily harm. It is a term that refers to any working situation that has the potential to cause severe strain on either the body or the mind. Your mental health could deteriorate if the setting in which you work is very stressful.

Extreme weather

It’s unpleasant when the weather is terrible or harsh, and that tension may tyre you out. Your mental health will suffer if every time you go outdoors, you are subjected to conditions that are harmful to it, such as being persistently cold or hot, fighting against snow, stumbling over ice, or becoming wet to the skin. This is especially important to remember if severe weather puts you, your loved ones, your family, or your property in jeopardy.

Smoking

Both active and passive smoking is terrible for your mental health and should be avoided at all costs.

Inaccessible architecture

Being restricted in your ability to move freely about your surroundings is a source of incredible frustration. Frustration and isolation are two factors that may lead to mental illness. Suppose you are unable to participate in particular places or activities. In that case, these factors might contribute to mental disease.

Social factors

Family and neighbourhood problems and broader social challenges may affect an individual’s mental health.

Stigma

It is well established that being subjected to discrimination of any kind, whether it is racism, sexism, homophobia, or other, maybe more covert types of prejudice, significantly raises the likelihood that a person would develop a mental illness.

Discord

Anxiety, worry, sadness, and even disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder may all have their roots in conflict and violence in the household or the community.

Abuse

Abuse may take many forms, including physical, sexual, or emotional aggression. Some examples of abuse include catcalling, marital violence, and bullying in the community. Being exposed to it consistently in the context in which you live may be quite detrimental to your health.

Poverty

There are a variety of ways in which poverty may negatively impact mental health. It may make it more challenging to get the nourishing food that is beneficial to mental health. It may make it more difficult to gain decent employment or other chances, leading to dissatisfaction, worry, and a loss of a sense of self-worth in the individual. It is a continual source of stress since it causes one to be concerned about where the next rent payment will come from. And it often puts individuals into harmful circumstances.

An absence of social support

People are friendly creatures wired to depend on the company of others. Ostracization, loneliness, and other forms of social isolation within a community all significantly negatively influence a person’s mental health.

Toxic relationships

Toxic relationships may bring about poor self-esteem, increased irritability, anxiety, and sadness, and even develop disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Lack of safety When you consider that you are not safe in the space you are in, you will experience great tension and anxiety.

Other factors

Although certain aspects may be easily categorized as “social” or “physical,” others are more transient and difficult to pin down. Nevertheless, the magnitude of their effect must not be understated.

Lack of access to green areas.

The ability to spend time in green or naturally attractive areas has a significant and beneficial effect on one’s mental health. Being confined to concrete jungles implies that one can never experience the positive psychological effects of natural elements such as fresh air, green foliage, etc.

A lack of visual stimulation.

People often use the terms “bland” and “dull” to characterize specific metropolitan surroundings. It is observable that individuals perk up to the point where their moods visibly elevate when they enter situations that are either more intriguing or possibly more visually beautiful. This is the case because people’s attitudes become more positive. Being in a setting devoid of interest and excitement is not only unpleasant but can potentially have a detrimental effect on one’s mental health.

Oppressive untidiness

We experience anxiety on a primal and a personal level if there is disorganization. Because a mess might constitute a potential threat to one’s health, our brains are hardwired to react with some level of worry whenever we see it. Individuals surrounded by clutter are more likely to have anxiety about what other people may think of their living circumstances, the amount of effort it will take to clear it up, and other related issues. So, renting a 10×15 storage unit really could be good for mental health!