Even before we’re born, the environment starts shaping us. Mothers carrying their children in the womb will breathe in toxins and eat various chemicals present in the food. They’re experiencing enormous stress and burnout during long workweeks, all of which is felt by their babies.
“As sad as it might sound, we have little control over these things,” laments Natasha Black, a depression therapist in NYC. “The best thing you could do is relocate to a remote village and live off the land. But then, your child won’t have anyone to socialize with, given that all kids live in big cities.”
Finding the balance is extremely tricky. This is why today we’ve decided to analyze the connection between mental health and the environment. By reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of all the factors that affect our brains and how to handle negative stimuli.
The Environmental Impact
Our environment has a very complex effect on our mood, stress, and overall mental health. Just about anything in our midst can disrupt our natural hormonal flow, leading to conditions such as depression and anxiety. With so many stimuli in large cities, it’s no wonder that the young generations are suffering as much as they do.
Just about anything can have a positive or a negative impact on our brain. However, the most impactful factors are the following:
- People and Interactions: Like animals, we hinge on human interaction for our mental well-being. Although these relationships are often positive, we often experience negative feedback from those close to us. For example, many people have trouble adjusting to their work colleagues or other students. Lack of socialization is every bit as damaging as it can prevent our natural brain rhythm.
- Sensory Impact: The Human brain absorbs the surrounding stimuli like a sponge. We see different shapes and colors, experience changes in temperature and lighting, and are bothered by loud sounds. Ideally, you should live in an environment that doesn’t overburden your senses and that gives you ample opportunity to relax your brain after work.
- Home Aesthetics: Our home is the biggest reprieve from the outside world. Even if you’re renting an apartment, make sure that it’s properly designed with lots of calming features. Avoiding clutter, having a lot of plants, and being in close proximity to parks can do wonders for your mental health. Also, consider introducing colors and patterns that will brighten up your mood.
- Positive and Negative Memories: We often associate objects and situations with things we’ve experienced in the past. For example, if you often went to a certain restaurant with your former love, this restaurant will now evoke negative emotions. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with positive reinforcement will improve your mood. So, we suggest you put family pictures, sports medals, school diplomas, and anything else that brings back positive memories in your house.
- Intrinsic Values: People live and die by their values. If you work for a company that goes against everything you believe in, there’s a good chance you’ll develop depression at one point or another. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with like-minded people will boost your mood.
Impact of Different Environments
Whether you’re in school, at the office, or spending time in a park, you might encounter certain environmental “disruptions.” For example, a heavy workload might lead you to burnout and depression, while high crime rates might develop anxiety.
It is vital that you’re aware of these factors and their potential long-term impact. That way, you could at least try to avoid things that have a negative effect on your brain.
Home Environment
When we talk about the home environment, we don’t only refer to furniture or paintings in your house or apartment. We also talk about people you live with, as well as the other surrounding factors.
For example, one of the biggest concerns young people have is pollution. Living in a city with poor air quality is a good enough reason to relocate to a different location. Climate is another major issue, especially if you live someplace where it’s constantly too hot or too cold.
People often pick their country and city based on quality of life indicators. Personal security is especially important, as you don’t want to worry about gun violence, corruption, and other hazards. Being surrounded by too much poverty is another major factor that might affect your mental well-being.
Work Environment
A lot of people nowadays develop mental health issues because of their work. Truth be told, jobs are becoming more and more demanding, both in terms of the necessary skills as well as the time/energy you must invest. Burnout is a common phrase nowadays, so it’s vital that you pick your employer carefully.
Some of the biggest reasons for work-related stress are high demands from the management, lack of rewards, bad relationships with colleagues, and lack of respect or control.
Although you might not be able to avoid some of these factors, it’s vital that you find a job that fulfils you. Furthermore, you should work for a company that shares your values.
School Environment
Adolescence is an extremely sensitive time for young people. During school days, we learn how to socialize, communicate, cooperate, and empathize with others. Unfortunately, not everyone is prepared to work with others. Bullying and a lack of support are a few things that teenagers have to deal with, and which can severely hinder their health.
In an ideal world, students should feel safe and accepted in school. They should have access to a great support system that consists not only of social workers and teachers, but also their friends. Depending on the environment, some people will have a great time in school, while others will develop trauma.
Last Thoughts
When we talk about mental ailments, we often focus on hereditary characteristics. However, the social environment is much more important for mental health. By creating a space where you can feel at ease, not only will you have a better quality of life, but you’ll also avoid the mental issues that are plaguing modern-day men and women.
Also Read: Why Mental Health Is Essential for Healing in the Hustle?
