There is a considerable body of evidence that shows that both physical and mental health can be affected by environmental factors. Although many researchers feel that there is not sufficient evidence to link the two, it is widely accepted that both have an effect on each other. For example, poor air quality and exposure to pollution can both affect people’s mental health to varying degrees.
People living in polluted environments are more likely to get respiratory tract infections and allergies. These can be detrimental to their health if left unchecked. They may develop physical illnesses as a result of these infections. They may also experience headaches, skin problems and fatigue. All of these are signs of mental illness that you would not expect to see in someone whose environment was less hazardous.
What about the relationship between environmental factors and mental health? The relationship between pollution and mental illness has been studied but remains controversial. A few researchers think that exposure to high levels of stress hormones can increase the risk of developing psychiatric illnesses. However, these studies remain inconclusive.
Other researchers think that people who live in crowded places may be at a greater risk of suffering from psychiatric illnesses. They believe that these illnesses are caused by negative effects of living in such places. On the other hand, there are also some who point out that medical research has proven that environmental factors can play a role in the development of diseases like depression.
When it comes to the relationship between environmental factors and mental health, there is still insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the theory. However, most experts agree that both psychosocial and environmental conditions have a strong effect on overall mental health and well-being. The importance of dealing with negative psychological states, such as depression, is crucial. A depressed person will exhibit several symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, and anger. A depressed person also tends to have poor social relationships, which can lead to several health complications.
Furthermore, living in a crowded area can be extremely stressful, which may contribute to the development of several mental health problems, such as depression, stress ulcers, insomnia, and digestive problems. The presence of people with similar profiles will amplify the risk of developing similar illnesses. Although the number of exposed people is much higher than those who suffer from psychological disorders, those who are exposed to high amounts of stress are likely to develop psychiatric disorders. The association between environmental factors and mental disorders does not only apply to the population of the city, but also to rural and urban dwellers.
In addition, the relation between environmental factors and mental health is also present between different factors that affect physiological health, such as alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine consumption. In fact, the consumption of these substances may worsen the condition of a person suffering from any of the mental health disorders. It has been found out that people with psychiatric disorders are more likely to abuse alcohol and tobacco products. Similarly, people who engage in hazardous occupations are also at risk of developing mental disorders.
As soon as we start studying the effect of environmental factors on mental health, we should also consider the influence of lifestyle and diet on the same. Although we cannot control the manner in which people consume food and drink, we can certainly try to adopt healthy lifestyles, such as practicing regular exercise, taking in a balanced diet, and avoiding the use of tobacco products. It has also been found out that people who are physically fit tend to feel better about themselves. They are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Lastly, it would be beneficial for everyone if they could quit smoking and drinking to reduce the environmental level of stress.