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I am personally convinced that urban living is bad for one's mental health. Especially bigger cities.
I agree. I lived in a farm house most of my life, and i see that other people that lived most of their life (or all their life) in cities seems to be somewhat disconnected with the nature of things
Yeah, I'd agree. I've never lived in a city and no fucking way would I intend to ever do so.
Hard disagree, I'm a city rat. Contrary to the uh…anecdotal mice-based evidence for theories presented here there is more data that suggests it's the opposite. The more rural the area the higher suicides per 100k people of population. Now, if you're not a city rat like me you might be getting angry and thinking it's untrue but hear me out: this is caused by isolation. This is why the stereotype of the depressed Stepford Wife taking sedatives exists. Not living in a community has shown to be bad for our mental health.
It doesn't have to be that way, though. If rural, suburban, and exurban areas had increased walkability and communal events and resources it would significantly improve conditions. Walkability is the key. This is also why churches are more regularly attended in rural and exurban areas, because it offers a sense of community. There's also a higher prevalence of cult recruitment amongst rural residents. In fact, L. Ron Hubbard directed Scientologists to go out and find lonely looking rural people at libraries, diners, bars, etc. and talk to them (to try and get them to eventually commit), especially if they'd just gone through a traumatic experience and lacked support.
"Increased walkability" I live 5 miles away from the nearest church. 8 miles from the nearest grocery store yet only 50 ft from the nearest bar.
The reason why people arent getting out is because the goverment says so! We aren't going to church due to our choices but because the goverment will fine our asses because we will spread the virus that already has a vaccine and everyone was wearing a mask.
It depends on the person and the urban community. Not all are dense packed and noisy. Some people like being able to get to all kinds of normal stuff by walking a few blocks (and thrive in such an environment).
I currently live in a tiny city (13,000) that is fairly well spread out. Yes we have a main street with most of the businesses, and other businesses tend to be on the highways into and out of town. The city has a fantastic beach on Lake Michigan as well, which my wife loves.
However, as we are older and thinking long term where we want to be in another decade. We would prefer a condo in a city (perhaps Milwaukee), with heated underground parking, where we don't have to worry about the lawn, snow, cold cars (we currently have an unheated stand along garage; and where we could get to events quickly (or use Lyft/Uber if we don't want to drive - or are unable too). There are also better elder support services in a larger city as well; and we likely can stay in our condos much longer than in our current home - and possibly even die there without having to be moved to a nursing home.
So, stage of life affects things too...
The most pleasant commute I ever had was walking to work from my shoebox size apartment in New York City. I never had to cook; different restaurant every night; lots of concerts, jazz clubs, museums, and plays on Broadway.
After the two year work assignment was over, I moved back to the suburbs. It sucked to be back home, but I got used to it again.
I've lived in all three. Big City, suburbs, and rural countryside. I prefer peace and quiet, however if you are a social butterfly and have a hard time entertaining yourself or allergies to trees, birds, or grass, then stay in the city.
To me the more people you put in one spot, the more problems and the more rules are developed.
Funny how most cities make parks and undeveloped areas for people to go and relax, of course most unless patroled, turn in to crime centers.
I've known very few people to take time off to get away from the stress and go to the city.
To each their own but I'll take the country living.
But so is rural living! Crop yields envy, guilt about owning smart home products, not to mention, the black magic, to hinder all progress.
id have a hard time livin with other people within talkin distance much less able to be able to see em
Probably but I don't really feel that way. I never felt particularly bad from visiting cities or when I lived in a more central area I didn't feel much worse, its nice to have access to restaurants and such. Pros of being more on the countryside is much nicer landscape, fewer people (which either way means little since I'm mostly at home) and of course less pollution. Maybe its not urban living in itself, but lack of experiencing nature?
I think living in a big American urban city will be vital for my mental health
They did this one study where they gave micr alot of space to live and the mice were happier and nice to eachother. Then they simulated a city and had them all live close and they were fighting and stressed out more.
Have you heard of the one were they had no predators and everything they could desire? It turned ugly real quick.
I agree. All that stress, loud nosies, traffic, people everywhere... I like cities! They're often beautiful and has a lot of interesting stuff but I wouldn't live in one. The perfect living situation for me would be a house on the countryside but close to a smaller city where you have access to everything. Kind of how I live now minus the house but apartment instead.
Everyone's different though. I don't think it's bad for a persons mental health if they love the city and have the type of energy that suits cityliving.