Green Space And Mental Health
Urbanization is the leading trend world over. The number of people living in urban settings have quadrupled over the past 60 years globally. According to reports, in 2020, 52.6% of the total population in the world were urban dwellers as compared to 34% in 1960.
The health and well-being of it's inhabitants is perhaps a city’s most important asset. Yet most of the people living in cities suffer from inadequate housing infrastructure and transport, poor sanitation, lack of waste management, worsening air quality, noise and water pollution, soil contamination and a dearth of green open spaces for exercising, walking, cycling and active living. Consequently these cities become epicentres of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and epidemics. People living in these areas are associated with higher rates of both physical and mental health problems. The reports by Urban Design and Mental Health (UD/MH) state that people who live in an urban setting have almost 40% higher risk of depression, doubled risk of schizophrenia, over 20% more risk of anxiety in addition to isolation, loneliness and stress.
Though there is a justifiable push to build more housing, but this pressure should not ignore the benefits of green areas. Not only for aesthetic or biodiversity but also for better health. Parks, green spaces and waterways are important public spaces in most cities. They offer solutions to the effects of rapid, unsustainable urbanization on health and well-being.
Green Spaces and its Significance to Mental Health
The ongoing Pandemic has changed our perspective towards nature and its importance for our well-being. Prof Scott C Brown, an environmental scientist at the University of Miami, Florida, spent years studying urban and suburban design and the health and wellbeing of residents. He said, "Greenness reduces the odds of obesity related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and the odds of depression and even Alzheimer’s." Other researchers have found that people who live and have grown up in a space with less greenery had 55% increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Green environments restore the ability to concentrate and helps being creative. Evidences prove that the access to nature also improves sleep, reduces negative emotions, increases happiness, promotes social interaction and provides a place for physical activities for a healthy lifestyle.
Children and Green Spaces
Spending time in nature is highly beneficial for kids also. With changing times kids raised in urban areas have become accustomed to staying indoors. They have access to very little greenspace and hence have 20% higher risk of developing anxiety disorder and 40% more likely to face mood disorders. More greenspaces provide opportunities for kids to be outside, away from the constant exposure to computer, led and smartphone screens and be physically active. It also enhances their curiosity and stimulates their urge to explore and discover surroundings, activates their senses, boosts their confidence and makes them less anxious, focused and is immensely beneficial for their overall physical and mental health.
Adults, Elderly and Green Spaces
For adults and elderly green spaces play an important role too. Undoubtedly older generation believes more in socialising than younger generation. Going for morning, evening strolls is generally a routine for them. The social connections thus made when they are outside walking, cycling, exercising or playing sports, helps improve their health.
Our lifestyle has been changing continuously over the past few years. The places where we live, the environment we spend our time in is changing at a drastic rate. In such a volatile environment our connect with nature depends on urban greening and our access to it. Not only are parks, trees, natural environment and green areas crucial for our physical and mental health but are equally important in the ongoing fight against climate change. So, it’s good for people and it is good for the planet.
