How we feel as we witness pollution can negatively impact our mental health and wellbeing.
To better understand the link between pollution and psychology, we’ll cover:
- Why Do The Psychological Effects Of Pollution Matter?
- How Can We Reduce The Psychological Toll Of Pollution?
What Is A Psychological Effect?
You may have noticed your own reactions at the sight of litter, smog, polluted waterways, or when you are exposed to new reports of pollution and climate change-related events. Our individual feelings related to these events are deemed psychological effects.
What Are Some Psychological Effects Of Pollution?
Depression
Depression is a common, but serious, condition arising from complicated interactions of social, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression related to pollution and climate change has been coined “eco-depression”, which is also associated with higher overall feelings of anxiety and stress.
Although many studies on pollution-related depression rely on self-reporting of emotional state, neurological findings also link air pollution to physical changes in the brain, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, that can manifest as depression.
The presence of air pollution may also further discourage people from spending time outdoors, reducing their exercise, social interactions and exposure to sunlight that supports vitamin D production – all of which can exacerbate negative psychological impacts.
Cognitive Functioning
Long-term exposure (or, interestingly, even perceived exposure) to both air and noise pollution are associated with increased annoyance, and reduced cognitive functioning, decision making, and memory.
Noise pollution, such as from airplanes and automobile traffic, can decrease performance on complex tasks and may cause sleep interruption, which has known negative effects on mental health.
Why Do The Psychological Effects Of Pollution Matter?
Pollution is another layer of stress and anxiety that contributes to rising rates of mental illness, as well as an increasing occurrence of non-communicable diseases that are concerning to overall public health.
Mental illness is common, with about 20% of US adults experiencing some form. Carrying mental illness, like depression, can increase your risk for more serious conditions like stroke, diabetes and heart disease. The economic burden of mental health in the US alone is estimated to be $210.5 Billion.
How Can We Reduce The Psychological Toll Of Pollution?
It is important to remember that nationally, air pollution has improved over past decades. However, it remains paramount that we continue to strive for solutions to address the toll of pollution on our well being.
Take Action on Public Policy
The presence of air pollution can decrease public perception of government effectiveness, and environmental policies that target reducing pollution or tackling climate change can actually improve public mental health.
Action in the form of political engagement to address climate change is associated with better mental health outcomes for those feeling eco-depressed or angry, perhaps because of the accomplishment associated with taking action where one sees need. So, speaking up for policy changes that matter to you could have a positive influence on your well being.
Take Steps At Home
You may be able to boost your individual mental health related to pollution by:
- Avoiding exercise in heavy traffic locations
- Investigating household ventilation systems to see if you can improve indoor air quality
- Managing noise pollution where possible
- Creating green spaces that can filter air pollutants