Built Environment and Mental Health

Many communities in the United States are visibly segregated by land use, and low-income residents often live closer to hazardous facilities than their more affluent counterparts.  Acute or long-term exposure to air pollutants can have an impact on mental health and well-being.  According to a study by Hoisington et al., outdoor air pollutant exposure during pregnancy may increase the risk of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Similarly, indoor air pollution causes chronic low-grade inflammation and could increase the risk of trauma- and stress-related diseases, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and depression. Pollution is an issue in Tennessee because there are still coal-fired power plants running. The worst coal ash spill in American history occurred in 2008, not far from Knoxville.  According to a study, it was found that people living in the county where the spill occurred suffered considerably more psychosocial stress as a result of the disaster.

 Though health policy often addresses the negative effects of waste management facility and incinerator emissions, we should also consider the mental health impacts of these chemicals. Thus, healthy design and land use policy that avoids hazardous chemical exposures can increase both physical and mental well-being.

The vast majority of U.S cities are designed for driving and prioritize cars. Studies reveal that people who live in communities that require a dependence on cars have lower levels of physical activity and higher rates of obesity. Physical activity has also been demonstrated to have a powerful and favorable impact on mental health. Also, poorly planned and unclear development patterns typically lead to longer daily commutes and stress inducing drives.

In mainstream western countries, the majority of health-related and many mental disorders are lifestyle-related, including diabetes, substance misuse, some cancers, and heart disease. For example, if you can comfortably and safely walk to nearby work, shops, and schools, you are more likely to be physically active and less likely to get diabetes. Also, quick and easy access to bike lanes, walking trails, parks, and outdoor spaces enables residents to easily incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, leading to increased mental wellness and improved quality of life.

Housing quality may impact a person's identity and self-worth (Evans et al 2003). Over time, worries about structural risks, frustration with one's lack of control over maintenance and management procedures, and fear of criminality create a heavy mental and emotional load. Urban planning frequently prioritizes maximizing profitability at the expense of residential welfare. But healthy planning designs have a powerful impact on residential well-being.  They give people access to daylight, which can result in better sleep. View of nature from indoor buildings creates peaceful feelings. Healthy designs can lessen crime, eliminating a source of trauma. Planning buildings with enough flexibility to accommodate both prevents social isolation and provides adequate privacy.  

The Covid-19 lockdown forcibly highlighted the importance of every day social connection. Individuals are happier in and around beautiful buildings.  Although depression can affect anyone, people are more likely to feel depressed in depressing surroundings. Planners and architects can design buildings to be beautiful, to allow for privacy, to limit noise while allowing social interaction to provide access to nature and natural light, and to promote healthy lifestyles. As stated by Guha and Channon in Mental health in the built environment, “it is possible to design buildings that are socially inclusive."

Parks and green spaces encourage physical activity, a connection to nature, and opportunities for community involvement, all of which have positive effects on mental health. Spending more time outside improves cognitive capabilities and attention and reduces stress levels. Additionally, those who spend more time outside are more likely to report high levels of happiness and well-being and less likely to have depression and anxiety disorders. Those who live near parks and greenspaces are more likely to be physically active, which strengthens mental health and decreases risk of obesity and related diseases.

Parks and greenspaces also improve air quality, control temperature, and mitigate the effects of extreme weather. They are associated with lower health care spending and improved levels of financial security and well-being. According to National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), neighborhoods with more greenspaces had a 33 percent lower rate of depression than those with less greenspace.

Being social creatures, we depend on one another’s support to survive. This dependence begins in our families and spreads to our communities, neighborhoods, and cities. A strong sense of community and belonging allow people to live to their fullest potential. It encourages people who misuse substances or live with depression or anxiety to engage and talk about their struggles with supportive peers, a vital step on the road to recovery.  Neighborhoods, cities, and states can incorporate healthy design principles into their policies and master plans that foster community, gathering, and involvement.  This includes providing places and spaces for the community to assemble and socialize.  A third place to call home beyond home and work deepens feelings of belonging and fosters social interaction.