Urbanization is on the rise: 55% of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, a number expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050, according to the United Nations. Many are drawn to cities for what is called the “urban advantage,” including proximity to job opportunities, robust social networks, and expansive public transportation.
Despite its advantages, research indicates that urban living is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those in adolescence and young adulthood, which are critical periods for emotional development. Given that cities will soon host the majority of the world’s youth, addressing mental health in urban environments is crucial for societal well-being.
The majority of the world’s youth will live in cities by 2050.
Photo Credit: Thomas Barwick
To understand the most pressing mental health issues in urban settings, researchers at the University of Washington surveyed 524 individuals from 53 countries. Participants were asked to identify and prioritize the characteristics that contribute to a mental-health-friendly city. The characteristics rated as the most important were:
- An environment that teaches life skills and provides opportunities for personal growth.
- Safe, free, and public social spaces.
- Valuing the opinions of young people.
- The inclusion of young people in city planning and design.
- Opportunities for stable employment.
While implementing these changes may initially be costly, they have the potential to yield significant long-term benefits. As of 2020, $280 billion of the federal United States budget was spent on treating mental illness, with the White House declaring a “mental health crisis” for Americans. Untreated mental illness can lead to increases in crime, homelessness, and drug use, and can be passed down to future generations in the form of abusive or ineffective parenting. Preventive measures, such as designing cities with mental health in mind, can help address some of these issues before they become too expensive to treat.
Featured Image Source: Koshiro
