The Interplay of Environmental Exposures and Mental Health: Setting an Agenda

This paper explores the increasing recognition of the physical environment’s impact on mental health, a historically under-researched area. It presents a nonsystematic conceptual review of environment and mental health, as discussed at a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) workshop. The authors call for interdisciplinary collaboration to deepen understanding of environmental contributions to mental health, develop primary prevention strategies, and address inequities in mental health outcomes.

Highlighted research shows that both human-caused and natural disasters (oil spills, floods, wildfires) often result in widespread mental health consequences, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Additionally, climate-related anxiety, driven by the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters, contributes to psychological distress. To combat these effects, the paper discusses the potential of green space exposure to reduce depression and enhance overall well-being. Innovations in technology and measurement metrics will allow for a more scientifically rigorous exploration of these proposed benefits. The authors call on policymakers to develop and test interventions that minimize exposure to environmental contaminants and maximize access to beneficial ecological conditions. They also emphasize integrating mental health assessments and treatment infrastructure into disaster response efforts, including long-term support for affected communities.

Reuben, A., Manczak, E. M., Cabrera, L. Y., Alegria, M., Bucher, M. L., Freeman, E. C., Miller, G. W., Solomon, G. M., & Perry, M. J. (2022). The Interplay of Environmental Exposures and Mental Health: Setting an Agenda. Environmental Health Perspectives, 130(2).