We know that histories of trauma and adversity play a significant role in our overall health and mental health. But so does our ability to bounce back from such adversity. Our surroundings play a significant role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall health. For people who have experienced chronic stress and trauma, their environment plays a key role in feelings of physical and psychological safety. Learning about the impact of our surroundings on our mental health is a valuable way to take control of our own well-being.
This Mental Health Month, challenge yourself to examine your world and how it can affect your overall health. Look around, look within – from your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to your mental health.
Consider the following ways our environment may impact our overall mental health and well-being:
- Neighborhoods and Town – One of the biggest ways your location can impact your mental health is how easy or hard it is to access the things you need.
- Healthy Home Environment – Optimizing your space to improve your mental health is something that anyone can benefit from.
- Outdoors and Nature – Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition.
- Stable and Safe Housing – Safe and stable housing is a basic need, and it can be difficult or impossible to care for your mental health if that need is not met
Explore ideas for individuals, organizations, and businesses to help raise awareness and increase understanding about mental health. Whatever your outreach approach, remember that Mental Health Month is an opportunity to make a positive impact on those around you and to remind people that there is no health without mental health.
