The city lifestyle is a dream to so many. Whether it be living in Los Angeles, London, New York or Paris, something is exciting about it.
However, that excitement can often quickly fade, with stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction all more commonly found in the city compared to other more rural and suburban parts of the country. But why is that?
Primrose Lodge, an alcohol detox clinic in Surrey on the outskirts of London, often finds that the stress of city living can bring patients out to them, struggling to cope with the various aspects of it that drive people to drink and drugs.ย
But what exactly is it thatโs causing city dwellers to suffer with their mental health1 and develop such conditions?
1. The Cost of Living
Naturally, money and the cost of living are often one of the biggest concerns. It isnโt cheap living in the city, especially these days, but at the same time, it is where the work is. Financial strain is so common among those living in the city, and the pressure to meet such demands can really raise stress levels and anxiety.
It can keep people up at night, turn them to the likes of drink or pills to sleep, and form an endless unhealthy cycle as they look to balance career aspirations and stability financially.
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City Living Stress: Strategies for Financial Stability and Mental Well-Being
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Mary Lawrence, the LCSW and Clinical Director atย Acera Health, describes how the high cost of living in cities contributes to stress and mental health challenges with preventive measures:
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โThe high cost of living in cities can definitely add stress. Imagine working tirelessly all day, only to realize that your hard-earned paycheck isnโt stretching as far as you need [it to].
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Itโs like running a race where the finish line [keeps getting] pushed further away. When weโre constantly worried about making ends meet, it can take a toll on our mental health.
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Living to survive is not a sustainable way of life.
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One way to alleviate this pressure is by implementing policies that address the root causes of high living costs. This can include measures [such as] rent control, affordable housing initiatives, and increasing minimum wage.
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By tackling the issue at its core, individuals will have more financial stability and less stress related to their basic needs.
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Another solution could be investing in more public services, such as public transportation and healthcare. This would reduce the burden of costly expenses on individuals, making it easier to manage their finances and improve their overall well-being.
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As for individuals, living within their means and proper financial planning can help alleviate the pressure of high living costs. Finding ways to save money and [even] earn extra on the side can also help [in] managing expenses.
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You can consult financial advisors or attend workshops to educate yourself on managing finances effectively. When we [have] control over our finances, we can [be in a better position to] handle the stress of living in an expensive city.
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In addition, staying on top of our mental health is crucial. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress and seeking support when needed can help us better manage the challenges [that come] with city living.
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Building a strong support system of friends, family, or [even] joining community groups can also provide a sense of belonging and alleviate [feelings of] isolation in a fast-paced urban environment.โ
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2. It Can Be a Lonely Place
Many people move to the city from the outside to meet career goals, but by combining that with a smaller amount of expendable income, it can become a lonely place.
Despite being around thousands of people, the city can leave people very isolated, struggling to find connections and develop relationships. That leaves people alone with their thoughts for much longer and can really accelerate stress and anxiety.
3. The Pressures of Work
City jobs are often high-pressure, with national and international headquarters often based there. At the same time, the hospitality sector can also be incredibly high-paced and high-pressure, with more people seeking services.
Jobs in the city can have long working hours, insecurity, and the constant drive for career progression, all of which can heap even more pressure on an individual that will, of course, take its toll.
4. Fewer Natural Surroundings
Finally, we all know the importance of fresh air, greenery, and natural spaces in improving our mental health and reducing stress, yet for those who live in cities, the ability to get out into those is a bit more limited.
Few people in the city have gardens, while parks, greenery, and natural landscapes are few and far between, disconnecting people from the natural world2 and exacerbating feelings of anxiety and stress.
Green Spaces and Well-Being: The Vital Link and Initiatives for Urban Harmony
Niloufar Esmaeilpour, an MSc, RCC, SEP fromย Lotus Therapy and Counselling Centre, suggests a few key points to consider:
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction:ย Natural environments have a calming effect and are known to reduce stress and anxiety.
The absence of these spaces in cities can lead to heightened stress levels and reduced capacity to relax and unwind.
- Physical Health Impacts Mental Health:ย Green spaces encourage physical activities like walking, jogging, or cycling.
Lack of these spaces can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, negatively impacting [both] physical and mental health.
- Social Interaction and Community Connection:ย Green spaces often serve as communal areas where people can socialize, enhancing community bonds and individual sense of belonging.
Their absence can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Cognitive Function and Creativity:ย Exposure to nature has been linked to improved cognitive function and creativity. Urban environments without these natural elements might hinder these aspects of mental functioning.
- Environmental Psychology:ย The concept of biophilia suggests humans have an innate connection to nature.
Urban settings that lack green spaces may [therefore] feel less comfortable or โnaturalโ to many people, potentially impacting overall well-being.
To improve access to such spaces in urban settings, various initiatives and changes can be considered:
- Urban Planning and Green Design:ย Incorporating green spaces into urban planning, such as parks, rooftop gardens, and vertical gardens on buildings.
- Community Gardens:ย Encouraging community gardens where residents can engage in gardening, fostering a connection with nature and community.
- Green Corridors:ย Creating green corridors [that] link different green spaces across the city, making them more accessible.
- Revitalizing Unused Spaces:ย Transforming unused urban areas into green spaces, like converting abandoned lots into community parks or gardens.
- Policy Initiatives:ย Governments and local authorities can implement policies [that prioritize the development and maintenance of] green spaces.
- Public Awareness and Education:ย Educating the public about the benefits of green spaces for mental well-being can increase community involvement and support for such initiatives.
Of course, many other day-to-day stresses 3affect everybodyโs life, but combined with the higher volumes of stress in cities, it can be a really difficult environment in which so many people donโt address healthily, leading to higher rates of addiction, suicide and depression, particularly these days when the pressures are larger than ever.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
- Prince, Martin, et al. โNo health without mental health.โย The lancetย 370.9590 (2007): 859-877. โฉ๏ธ
- Gelsthorpe, Jack. โDisconnect from nature and its effect on health and well-being.โย Disconnect from Nature and Its Effect on Health and Well-Beingย (2017). โฉ๏ธ
- Lukan, Junoลก, et al. โWork environment risk factors causing day-to-day stress in occupational settings: a systematic review.โย BMC Public Healthย 22.1 (2022): 240. โฉ๏ธ
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