Having Neighbors Reduces the Risk of Mental Health Issues

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Mental health can be affected by numerous factors, and one of them is urbanism. The distribution of cities and the concentration of residential buildings may play a key role in the risk of developing disorders and diseases. A study conducted in Denmark and published in the journal Science Advances observed that people living in residential neighborhoods have a higher risk of depression compared to those living in urban centers or rural areas. The researchers analyzed the density of buildings (the built area compared to open space), their height, and the diagnoses of depression between 1990 and 2018 (75,650 cases).

The authors found the lowest risk in rural areas and city centers with open spaces, which are crucial in facilitating social interaction. Meeting neighbors while buying bread, having squares with benches for conversations, or having parks with children’s play equipment are elements that not only make socializing possible but also encourage it, according to epidemiologist Pedro Gullón, a professor of public health at the University of Alcalá de Henares.

Karen Chen, from Yale University and the lead author of the study, explains that their findings do not intend to discourage the model of residential neighborhoods and single-family housing, but rather to explore ways to make these areas more accessible to residents, with spaces that promote socialization. “It’s about improving walkability, bikeability, and public transportation in areas that were originally car-centric,” she concludes.