Green areas as a lifeguard: How to protect our psyche!

Green areas as a lifeguard: How to protect our psyche!

progressive urbanization is an increasing challenge for the mental health of the population. According to an estimate, 58% of the world's population already live in urban areas, and the forecasts of the United Nations indicate that this proportion will increase to around 68% by 2050. In Austria, the degree of urbanization is around 59.8% at a maximum. This not only brings changes in the lifestyle with it, but also has a significant impact on mental health. Prim. Dr. Christian Korbel, psychiatrist and president of the Austrian Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (ÖGPP), emphasize the importance of environmental pollution such as air and noise pollution, which are increasingly identified as risk factors for mental illnesses.

In this context, a current data analysis shows that the use of green areas, such as parks and allotments, can have a health -promoting effect. The World Health Organization recognizes the natural environment as an important factor in influence on mental health. It is particularly noteworthy that the effect of the use of green space on the reduction of suicidal behaviors, especially women, is more pronounced. These findings were presented at the 25th annual conference of the ÖGPP, which takes place in Vienna from April 2 to April 5, 2025.

Connection between urbanization and psychological symptoms

A comprehensive study by researchers from Charité-University Medical Center Berlin in cooperation with the Fudan University Shanghai and Tianjin Medical University has examined the connection between urbanization and psychiatric symptoms. Data from 156,075 participants were analyzed. The researchers identified three different environmental profiles that correlate strongly with mental illnesses. An environmental profile that is characterized by social disadvantage, air pollution and a high urbanization density is accompanied by higher depression symptoms. Another profile with plenty of green areas and better accessibility of excursion destinations shows an association with reduced anxiety symptoms.

The results underline the need to look at the urban environmental factors holistically. The findings that certain brain areas provide the effect of environmental profiles on psychiatric symptoms are of particular importance. These biological mechanisms help to better understand the relationships between urban habitats and mental health.

The role of green spaces in urban planning

urban green spaces not only play an essential role in the quality of life of the population, but are also crucial for the prevention of mental illnesses. Climate change is another factor that is in conjunction with increasing temperature rise and increased suicide rates. The ÖGPP emphasizes that the psychological consequences of climate change must be taken seriously. Public green areas can thus make a valuable contribution to promoting mental health and protecting from suicidal behaviors. The international symposium "Climate Change and Mental Health" on April 3, 2025 will deepen this aspect.

Further information is in the articles of Stadt+Grün , and Charité to read.