Utilizing Nature to Tackle the Mental Health Issues of Today’s Youth

Introduction 

Imagine standing inside a lush forest underneath the dense canopy of aromatic trees and their leaves gently rustling in the wind, breathing the invigorating air and savoring the serene moment; cool, damp soil beneath your feet completes the soothing ambiance of the environment. Time is of no essence here.

Conversely, today’s urban environment is full of bustle, constant commotion, and artificial constructs, leading to tension, stress, and anxiety. Thus, many people purposely seek to reconnect with nature, realizing that even envisioning themselves in such a different environment evokes an innate sense of calm.

Today’s youth, significantly unexposed to and more disconnected from nature than their predecessors, are increasingly and alarmingly susceptible to suffering from depression and anxiety. A simple comparison between locales wherein individuals are exposed to more or less of nature easily demonstrates the fundamental influence that an individual’s environment has on his mental and emotional health. Consequently, this essay aims to argue that it is possible to fix the epidemic of depression and anxiety among today’s youth by ensuring routine exposure to nature amidst urban planning and daily life. First, the essay will provide a generalized definition and importance of anxiety and depression from the perspective of young people. Then, the relationship between a lack of exposure to nature and the growing occurrence of depression and anxiety will be analyzed. Additionally, this essay will compare the impact of high and low exposure to nature on different groups. Finally, the essay will investigate possible solutions to address this issue.

Crisis of Youth: Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are clinically defined as common psychological mood disorders. Depression is characterized by a persistent sense of melancholy or loss of interest in activities that were previously pleasurable or rewarding, as well as changes in self-esteem, energy level, concentration, and/or daily behavior. Anxiety is defined by feelings of disquiet, apprehension, and/or concern, often in response to an impending event or an uncertain outcome (CDC, 2023). People usually detrimentally overlook the fact that they suffer from these disorders while going about their daily lives, dismissing as minor such behavioral changes as decreased appetite or trouble sleeping.

Understanding depression and anxiety among the youth is a complex but essential matter. Young adults and adolescents undergo substantial physiological, psychological, and interpersonal changes throughout puberty and early adulthood, making them more vulnerable to anxiety and sadness than their elder counterparts (WHO, 2021). During these transitional life periods, brain development and hormonal shifts may intensify mood swings, increasing the chance of suffering psychological discomfort (Harvard Health, 2011). Furthermore, the heavy demands of academic achievement, social validation, and self-discovery may contribute to an incredibly chaotic atmosphere that intensifies the sensations of depression and anxiety. Evolving from youth to adulthood entails managing intricate emotions and adapting to newfound obligations, which is stressful.

Understanding the Relationship Between Nature and Mental Health

Gordon O. Oriens’ 2008 literature review established that humans have investigated and correspondingly evolved our behaviors in alignment with our surroundings over time. We possess the benefit of a wealth of already-established knowledge concerning the relationship between humans and nature, and nature’s positive effects on mental health have long been acknowledged by society, from ancient philosophical writings to the latest scientific research (Oriens, 2008). For instance, exposure to natural environments has been linked to stress reduction, mood improvement, and overall well-being (Jimenez et al., 2021). Recent scientific studies have further proven these concepts by linking the relationships between human psychology and ecology (Bratman et al., 2021). 

Notwithstanding the positive correlation between mental health and exposure to nature, today’s youth live in an urbanized and technologically dependent environment, meaning they spend more time indoors, engaging with digital devices and social media (Michaelson et al., 2020). This difference in lifestyle from that of older generations has sparked worries about potential effects on mental health, especially on depression and anxiety (Farhud, 2015). Young people may experience psychological anguish and feelings of isolation from extended exposure to artificial light, inactivity, and a lack of outside activities. Psychological impacts such as bipolar disorder are often linked to these elements (Paksarian et al., 2020). Researchers also indicate that individuals with restricted exposure to natural settings are at a higher risk of displaying mental health symptoms. For instance, a greater Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which measures the degree of greenness in an area, was shown to be correlated with a decreased probability of feeling significant depression symptoms in a research study that included nearly 9,000 teenagers (Bezold et al., 2017). 

The Role of Technology and Urbanization

Young individuals’ interactions with their surroundings have altered dramatically due to urbanization and the advent of technology, creating a split from nature (Keniger et al., 2013). According to research by Ruckert, Kahn Jr & Severson (2009), youths nowadays spend much less time outside than earlier generations. Moreover, Summers et al. (2019) found that a decrease in children's exposure to natural areas has weakened their connection to nature and a drop in their environmental stewardship. High-tech cultures prioritizing digital connectivity and urban expansion have seen recent reductions in natural landscapes and green spaces, especially around metropolitan areas (Crichton, 2021). Consequently, many grow up in communities lacking parks, trees, and other open and natural spaces. Lack of exposure to natural environments can substantially impact mental health, as it limits the therapeutic and healing benefits that nature provides.

Past studies have repeatedly demonstrated a causal connection between lack of exposure to nature and negative impacts on mental health. For instance, Stenfors et al. (2019) found that those who engaged in physical activities in natural environments reported higher levels of happiness and improved cognitive abilities than those who did not. Furthermore, more recent research by Bratman et al. (2021) shows that spending time outdoors may help reduce anxiety and rumination. Therefore, human connection with nature, which may initially seem insignificant, can noticeably change a person’s mental health. 

Additionally of note, there is a link between the increased prevalence of social media and technology use and a higher rate of anxiety and depression in youth. Researchers in the Twenge and Campbell 2019 study have discovered a link between increased social media use and higher rates of depression among teenagers (Twenge & Campbell, 2019). In a similar vein, Primack et al. (2017) discovered a robust relationship between young individuals’ growing social media use and their elevated anxiety levels. Incessant virtual interactions and exposure to technological screens may exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and social pressure, leading to mental health issues (Jiotsa et al., 2021). Moreover, as young people become more engrossed in virtual worlds and less involved with the physical world, the digital landscape may worsen their detachment from the natural world (Beyari, 2023).

Comparative Analysis of High-Tech and Low-Nature Countries

Comparative analysis of populations in high-tech and low-nature countries versus their counterparts with greater access to natural environments can provide valuable insights to better understand the relationship between technology, exposure to nature, and mental health. Assessing the stress levels of countries with low versus high amounts of exposure to nature, we find that countries with higher nature exposure are consistently happier (Oh et al., 2021). Countries that have experienced rapid urban development, limited green spaces, and high levels of digital connectivity and thus have high levels of technological advancement and urbanization, such as Japan and South Korea, have witnessed rising rates of mental health issues among their youth, including prevalent depression and anxiety (Srivastava, 2009).

In contrast, countries such as Norway and New Zealand, which have stronger connections to nature, observe lower rates of depression and anxiety (Simpson et al., 2007). These nations provide ample opportunity for their youth to interact with the natural world via outdoor pursuits, including hiking, camping, and environmental education. Because incorporating nature into their daily lives enhances their overall well-being, these populations may experience lower rates of anxiety and depression. Countries with higher levels of exposure to nature have already demonstrated the mental health benefits; integrating more natural environments into urban areas and promoting outdoor activities can help mitigate mental health issues associated with residing within high-tech, low-nature settings. Thus, solutions are possible for modern issues of anxiety and depression.

As shown, reconnecting with nature can ease the mental health concerns common among young people today, shifting away from the challenges of digital immersion and urbanization to the peacefulness of nature. Recent research supports the theory that spending time in natural settings—even inside cities—can elevate mood, lower stress levels, and improve psychological health (Gross et al., 2015). These results emphasize the vital need to support young people’s mental health and general well-being by including outdoor activities and natural surroundings in their daily lives, providing a basis for possible solutions.

Addressing the Depression and Anxiety Epidemic

Exploring solutions is crucial to tackling the rise in cases of depression and anxiety among individuals, both as a way to support those already affected and as a preemptive measure. Such solutions are the intricate connections between nature and technology and their effect on an individual’s mental well-being.

As noted in a study by Hunter et al. (2019), current research indicates that spending time in natural surroundings can improve one's state, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall mental health by reducing cortisol levels associated with stress, depression, and anxiety.

There are two practical ways to implement such natural surroundings: 1) promoting interactions with the natural environment and 2) giving preference to space and natural settings within urban planning. Integrating nature into landscapes and providing youth access to natural environments can bolster psychological, social, and physical well-being. Engaging in activities such as hiking or gardening can help the modern generation feel more at peace and connected with nature. 

Society must prioritize natural habitat preservation and execute urban development plans that mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization. Individuals’ overall health and well-being can be enhanced by creating more wholesome and sustainable communities that blend nature into urban design and promote environmental conservation. Encouraging pursuits such as hiking, gardening, and observing wildlife can help young people reconnect with the surrounding world, positively impacting their mental health. Engaging in such activities triggers the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, improving mood and reducing feelings of depression and anxiety, and fostering feelings of happiness and relaxation (Gladwell et al., 2013).

Integrating nature-exposing activities into routines is a practical approach to fostering a deeper bond with nature. In our technology-driven society, leveraging our tech enhancements to foster nature-related experiences is critical. 

Conclusion and Call to Action

The unparalleled epidemic of depression and anxiety among today’s youth can be at least partially attributed to the lack of exposure to nature in today's high-tech and urbanized civilizations. Proactive solutions must be utilized to address this pressing issue as the detrimental consequences of excessive technology use and insufficient time spent in nature become increasingly evident. Urban green spaces, outdoor leisure, digital detoxification, and environmental conservation may help mitigate the detrimental effects of contemporary lives on young people's mental health.

It is challenging to forecast whether urbanization will enhance or exacerbate the future of the human population. However, urbanization will probably exacerbate the youth’s detachment from the natural world if no deliberate attempt is made to integrate nature into urban planning and development. There is likely to be a sustained decline in mental well-being, increased feelings of loneliness, and a decrease in commitment to environmental protection in the years ahead, should this trend persist. We must recognize nature's substantial influence on preserving our physical and mental well-being and commit to integrating sustainable environmental practices, green spaces, and parks into our urban environment. Adopting such measures is crucial to creating more resilient and healthier environments, especially for the well-being of the current and future generations.

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