Feeling anxious and depressed as North India’s air quality keeps getting worse? Air pollution may be harming your mental state.
Mood fluctuations and easily becoming agitated are among the indicators.
Oversmog, especially in urban areas, can lead to chronic stress and elevated anxiety. When we are repeatedly exposed to pollutants, noise, and contaminated air, stress hormones are released, which negatively impact our mental health. People who regularly practice stress-reduction methods like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can manage their anxiety and stress. Â
Studies have indicated a connection between depression, Air pollution, and an increased risk of mood disorders. Pollutants can affect brain functions, which can change mood and cognitive function. Improving the quality of indoor air, minimizing exposure to outside pollutants, and seeking professional assistance when experiencing mood disorders are crucial measures in addressing depression and mood disorders linked to pollution.
Exposure to pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and other neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Cognitive health can be safeguarded by reducing exposure to air pollution through the use of air purifiers, adequate ventilation, and lifestyle modifications, including using masks in highly polluted locations.
Particularly industrial and traffic noise pollution can interfere with sleep cycles and cause sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and insomnia. White noise machines, earplugs, and soundproofing homes are a few examples of noise-reduction techniques that might enhance the quality of your sleep.
Due to health concerns, high pollution levels might discourage people from engaging in outdoor activities and social connections, which can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Encouraging social interaction can be achieved through fostering community engagement and developing cleaner, greener public spaces.
Air pollution has been associated with increased irritability and aggressive behavior, which can negatively affect interpersonal relationships and general well-being. Anger control exercises, being aware of the local air quality, and supporting cleaner air are ways to counteract pollution-related irritability and violence.
Also Read: Try this simple breathing exercise to relieve stress and anxiety
Researchers claim that to improve mental health treatment, it is important to expand public knowledge of these connections as well as the availability and financing of mental health services in areas where pollution is a disproportionate problem. Another objective is to provide mental health practitioners with further training so they can identify environmental risk factors for mental disease.
Studies have made clear that states and government agencies in charge of controlling pollutants in our air and water must keep an eye on this developing field, take into account the effects these substances have on children’s and adults’ developing brains, and encourage more research that looks at the relationship between pollution and mental health.
To ensure fair regulation and enforcement, political leaders and regulators at all levels should also be aware of the disproportionate burdens placed on low-income areas. They should consider these factors when making choices regarding authorizing and regulating pollutants. Awareness is the only key to keeping yourself healthy in today’s era.
