How Does Your Environment Affect Your Mental Health?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksEnvironmental FactorsPerceptionWhen Change Is NeededChanges for Mental HealthWhen You Can’t Change Your EnvironmentFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How It Works

Environmental Factors

Perception

When Change Is Needed

Changes for Mental Health

When You Can’t Change Your Environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Close

The environment and mental health and intrinsically connected. The places where you spend a lot of time—home, work, school, and even socially—can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. In psychology, these are referred to as environmental factors ofmental healthand are the main focus of study for environmental psychologists.

Identifying the environmental factors that can affect you psychologically can shed light on whether the locations you frequent are contributing to or detracting from your mental wellness. It can also help you recognize if changes are needed to start feeling better mentally and emotionally.

The Environment and Mental Health

Environmental factorscan also affect our mental health in the way they impact us psychologically. Your environment might raise or lower your stress levels, for instance.This can change your mental wellness overall, either serving to protect your psychological health or opening the door for mental illness to set in.

The world around you can help protect you from mental illnessorit may be a catalyst for mental health issues to form.

Environmental Factors That Affect Mental Health

Several things in our environment can impact our mental health, either directly or indirectly. Theseenvironmental factorsexist where we live, work, go to school, and spend our time socially.

Home Environment

The home environment includes more than just your physical dwelling. “Our environment is a combination of both physical factors such as where you live and the people around you," saysRachelle Scott, MD, medical director of psychiatry atEden Health, “both in your home but also on a wider community scale.”

Home-based environmental factors that can have a significant impact on mental health include:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Work Environment and Mental Health

More than half of our waking hours are spent on work or work-related activities according to the 2021 American Time Use Survey.That’s why Scott says that ourwork environmentplays a significant role in our mental health.

Several workplace factors can contribute to the development of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, some of which include:

How a Toxic Work Environment Affects Mental Health

School Environment and Mental Health

Children, adolescents, and college students often spend a lot of their days learning in class, studying, or completing homework assignments. The environment in which they do these activities can impact their mental health.

School-based environmental factors that can positively affect a student’s mental well-being include:

Factors that can have a negative effect on a student’s mental health are:

Social Environment and Mental Health

Scott also points to the fact that your social environment can affect your mental health. This includes socioeconomic elements such as race and ethnicity and a lack of social support—which can all have a profound influence on your ability to cope with stress.

Saltz indicates that this is true of a healthy marriage, a good circle of friends, and other important family relationships. “Lack of relationships, leading to loneliness causes depression and anxiety,” she says, “while tumultuous and disturbing relationships leads to chronic stress and lower mood and higher anxiety.”

Saltz adds that relationships with people whoabuse substancesincrease the likelihood you will abuse substances, and growing up in a home with exposure to domestic violence, substance abuse, or emotional or physical abuse affect mental health detrimentally.

How Perception Impacts Mental Health

It’s easy to blame a toxic work environment, cluttered house, or rainy weather for your deteriorating mental health. But sometimes, yourperceptionof the environment contributes to how you feel. For example, one study found that when people with depression perceived that they had poorsocial support, their symptoms, recovery, and social functioning were worse.

But the opposite is also true. If you perceive that you are satisfied with your life, your levels of overall life satisfaction will likely be higher.This suggests that if there is some aspect of your environment that is negatively impacting your mental wellness, changing your perception of it may help you feel better.

If you’re not in a position to change something about your environment, it’s critical that you work onreframing the beliefs you have about it.

“Trying to find appreciation in the environment, even if it’s one positive thing, can help reframe your thoughts about your environment,” says Scott. To accomplish this, practicegratitudeand create a routine or habit to reduce the clutter around you. The latter helps “provide a sense of control in a situation where you feel like you don’t have any control,” Scott says.

Snow recommends focusing on what is working and supporting you in your current environment. She also suggests small changes to make the environment more soothing and familiar, such asorganizing, adding photos, or painting. Also, process any emotions or frustrations that are present throughjournaling, movement, or talking with a friend or therapist. “Don’t let the feelings build up,” Snow says.

How to Find a Therapist

Identifying If Environmental Change Is Needed

Understanding that the environment plays a critical role in your mental health is the first step. The next step is to identify if a change is needed.

According to Snow, it’s vital to notice the connection between how you’re feeling and what triggers those emotions. “Then you can make small adjustments to your current environment to determine if that big change is really necessary,” she says.

For example, if you live in a city and always feel overstimulated and anxious, Snow recommends engaging in more quiet activities at home. “If that doesn’tchange your mood, but you notice that every time you spend a weekend outside the city you feel relaxed, that’s a sign that something needs to change,” Snow explains.

While changing your social network or the depth of certain relationships may help, Saltz says it may not “fix” whatever is driving your mental health issue. “It may not be sufficient enough, and getting treatment may be required,” she says.

Scott points out that picking up and moving from one environment to another permanently is not always an option for many of us. However, a temporary move from the city to the country, or perhaps closer to the water, is one way to test how your physical environment impacts your mood.

“If you notice that, for example, you experience less stress being outside of the city lights, there is less smog in the air and less noise for you to contend with and, as a result, you are sleeping better and thinking more clearly, then I would say you have some key evidence to support your decision,” Scott says.

Environmental Changes That Can Improve Mental Health

If you want to improve your mental health, making changes to your environment can help. Snow recommends starting with thethings you have control overand can accomplish relatively easily. Organize your space, for instance, or get a sound machine to cover up street noise.

Or maybe you live in an area where sunlight is scarce. This is “a real concern withseasonal affective disorder(SAD),” says Scott. One solution is to implement bright light in your environment. This can help improve depression and anxiety, Scott says, especially during the long days of winter.

April Snow, LMFTCreating opportunities for little wins will give you the energy to tackle bigger changes.

April Snow, LMFT

Creating opportunities for little wins will give you the energy to tackle bigger changes.

To make the most impact, begin with the room you spend most of your time in and arrange it in a way that is functional and free of clutter. If you work from home, for instance, start with your home office. If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen preparing meals, you might want to start there instead.

To improve your social environment, Saltz says that focusing on your social surroundings, improving and growing more intimate in some relationships, being vulnerable with those you can trust, and distancing yourself fromtoxic relationshipsthat are negatively impacting mental health can all make a substantial difference.

When a Change in Environment Is Not Possible

Changing jobs, leaving a relationship, or moving to a new location is not always possible. The good news is there are ways to support yourself where you are now. Below are some simple solutions from Scott.

But if the situation is abusive, Saltz recommends calling an abuse hotline to get advice and aid in how to remove yourself from your home.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact theNational Domestic Violence Hotlineat1-800-799-7233for confidential assistance from trained advocates.

A Word From Verywell

Most of us will experience a change in our mental health due to environmental factors. For some, the effects may be minimal, but for others, the toll on mental health will be significant. If you are experiencing an increase in symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health condition, schedule an appointment with your physician or a mental health expert. Help is available.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThe environment can affect your sense of social support, comfort, and level of stimulation. Factors such as crime, racism, and pollution can influence your health and safety, which can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. The environment can also influence your stress levels, which can then have an impact on your physical and mental health.Three main types of environmental factors that affect mental health are:Physical factors, such as pollution, working conditions, and weather conditionsSocial factors, such as abuse, poor support, and toxic relationshipsOther factors, such as lack of stimulation, lack of green outdoor spaces, and messy environments

The environment can affect your sense of social support, comfort, and level of stimulation. Factors such as crime, racism, and pollution can influence your health and safety, which can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. The environment can also influence your stress levels, which can then have an impact on your physical and mental health.

Three main types of environmental factors that affect mental health are:Physical factors, such as pollution, working conditions, and weather conditionsSocial factors, such as abuse, poor support, and toxic relationshipsOther factors, such as lack of stimulation, lack of green outdoor spaces, and messy environments

Three main types of environmental factors that affect mental health are:

The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bick J, Nelson CA.Early adverse experiences and the developing brain.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2016;41:177-196. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.252Helbich M.Mental health and environmental exposures: An editorial.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2207. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207Padhy SK, Sarkar S, Panigrahi M, Paul S.Mental health effects of climate change.Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2015;19(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.156997Dustmann C, Fasani F.The effect of local area crime on mental health.Econom J. 2014;126(593):978-1017. doi:10.1111/ecoj.12205Washington HA.A terrible thing to waste: Environmental racism and its assault on the American mind.Braithwaite I, Zhang S, Kirkbride JB, Osborn DPJ, Hayes JF.Air pollution (particulate matter) exposure and associations with depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis and suicide risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(12):126002. doi:10.1289/EHP4595Knifton L, Inglis G.Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications.BJPsych Bulletin. 2020;44(5):193-196. doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.78Bureau of Labor Statistics.American Time Use Survey — 2021 results.Harvey SB, Modini M, Joyce S, et al.Can work make you mentally ill? A systematic meta-review of work-related risk factors for common mental health problems.Occup Environ Med. 2017;74(4):301-310. doi:10.1136/oemed-2016-104015Schulte-Körne G.Mental health problems in a school setting in children and adolescents.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(11):183-190. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0183Wang J, Mann F, Lloyd-Evans B, Ma R, Johnson S.Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: a systematic review.BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18:156. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1736-5Milovanska-Farrington S, Farrington S.Happiness, domains of life satisfaction, perceptions, and valuation differences across genders.Acta Psychologica. 2022;230:103720. doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103720

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bick J, Nelson CA.Early adverse experiences and the developing brain.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2016;41:177-196. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.252Helbich M.Mental health and environmental exposures: An editorial.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2207. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207Padhy SK, Sarkar S, Panigrahi M, Paul S.Mental health effects of climate change.Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2015;19(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.156997Dustmann C, Fasani F.The effect of local area crime on mental health.Econom J. 2014;126(593):978-1017. doi:10.1111/ecoj.12205Washington HA.A terrible thing to waste: Environmental racism and its assault on the American mind.Braithwaite I, Zhang S, Kirkbride JB, Osborn DPJ, Hayes JF.Air pollution (particulate matter) exposure and associations with depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis and suicide risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(12):126002. doi:10.1289/EHP4595Knifton L, Inglis G.Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications.BJPsych Bulletin. 2020;44(5):193-196. doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.78Bureau of Labor Statistics.American Time Use Survey — 2021 results.Harvey SB, Modini M, Joyce S, et al.Can work make you mentally ill? A systematic meta-review of work-related risk factors for common mental health problems.Occup Environ Med. 2017;74(4):301-310. doi:10.1136/oemed-2016-104015Schulte-Körne G.Mental health problems in a school setting in children and adolescents.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(11):183-190. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0183Wang J, Mann F, Lloyd-Evans B, Ma R, Johnson S.Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: a systematic review.BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18:156. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1736-5Milovanska-Farrington S, Farrington S.Happiness, domains of life satisfaction, perceptions, and valuation differences across genders.Acta Psychologica. 2022;230:103720. doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103720

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Bick J, Nelson CA.Early adverse experiences and the developing brain.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2016;41:177-196. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.252Helbich M.Mental health and environmental exposures: An editorial.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2207. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207Padhy SK, Sarkar S, Panigrahi M, Paul S.Mental health effects of climate change.Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2015;19(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.156997Dustmann C, Fasani F.The effect of local area crime on mental health.Econom J. 2014;126(593):978-1017. doi:10.1111/ecoj.12205Washington HA.A terrible thing to waste: Environmental racism and its assault on the American mind.Braithwaite I, Zhang S, Kirkbride JB, Osborn DPJ, Hayes JF.Air pollution (particulate matter) exposure and associations with depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis and suicide risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(12):126002. doi:10.1289/EHP4595Knifton L, Inglis G.Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications.BJPsych Bulletin. 2020;44(5):193-196. doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.78Bureau of Labor Statistics.American Time Use Survey — 2021 results.Harvey SB, Modini M, Joyce S, et al.Can work make you mentally ill? A systematic meta-review of work-related risk factors for common mental health problems.Occup Environ Med. 2017;74(4):301-310. doi:10.1136/oemed-2016-104015Schulte-Körne G.Mental health problems in a school setting in children and adolescents.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(11):183-190. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0183Wang J, Mann F, Lloyd-Evans B, Ma R, Johnson S.Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: a systematic review.BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18:156. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1736-5Milovanska-Farrington S, Farrington S.Happiness, domains of life satisfaction, perceptions, and valuation differences across genders.Acta Psychologica. 2022;230:103720. doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103720

Bick J, Nelson CA.Early adverse experiences and the developing brain.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2016;41:177-196. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.252

Helbich M.Mental health and environmental exposures: An editorial.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2207. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207

Padhy SK, Sarkar S, Panigrahi M, Paul S.Mental health effects of climate change.Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2015;19(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.156997

Dustmann C, Fasani F.The effect of local area crime on mental health.Econom J. 2014;126(593):978-1017. doi:10.1111/ecoj.12205

Washington HA.A terrible thing to waste: Environmental racism and its assault on the American mind.

Braithwaite I, Zhang S, Kirkbride JB, Osborn DPJ, Hayes JF.Air pollution (particulate matter) exposure and associations with depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis and suicide risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(12):126002. doi:10.1289/EHP4595

Knifton L, Inglis G.Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications.BJPsych Bulletin. 2020;44(5):193-196. doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.78

Bureau of Labor Statistics.American Time Use Survey — 2021 results.

Harvey SB, Modini M, Joyce S, et al.Can work make you mentally ill? A systematic meta-review of work-related risk factors for common mental health problems.Occup Environ Med. 2017;74(4):301-310. doi:10.1136/oemed-2016-104015

Schulte-Körne G.Mental health problems in a school setting in children and adolescents.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(11):183-190. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0183

Wang J, Mann F, Lloyd-Evans B, Ma R, Johnson S.Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: a systematic review.BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18:156. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1736-5

Milovanska-Farrington S, Farrington S.Happiness, domains of life satisfaction, perceptions, and valuation differences across genders.Acta Psychologica. 2022;230:103720. doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103720

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