Impact of Environmental Factors on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review

This review examined environmental factors that constrain or enhance mental health and well-being. The paper focused on the impact of physical and social environments that pose threats to mental health, and also discussed protective environmental factors that improve mental health and wellbeing, including access to green spaces such as parks, forests and gardens. It noted that interacting with natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, increase calmness and relaxation, enhance wellbeing, improve cognitive function, attention and creativity, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The paper underscored the need to embrace environmental protective factors for positive mental health and wellness.