I had a chance to chat with my neighbour Zeenat Raza (PH1-503). Our conversation moved towards air pollution but I was astonished to learn from her about the effect it has on mental health. But we will come to that; before that, a short introduction of Zeenat. She is a mental health professional with a decade+ of experience in teaching, counselling, and community service. With a background in psychology and a gold medal in the field, she has worked with eminent institutions in India and abroad, passionately understanding human behaviour and creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Zeenat runs a YouTube channel on Psychology and Mental Health and writes engaging content on wellness, aiming to make high-quality education accessible to all. She founded Counselling Oasis where she helps individuals navigate their mental hea-lth journeys.
I asked Zeenat how air pollution affects mental health. She shares that while all know about its hazards to the heart & lungs, few associate it with mental health. “Air pollution has impacts on mental health too, particularly through worsening diseases such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression.”
Exposure to high pollution levels has been associated with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. “Entry of pollutants like PM2.5 into the central nervous system triggers inflammatory responses that disrupt the regulation of mood.”
In winter, not having sunlight usually “brings” the disease SAD, which is a form of depression that occurs at the same time every year, with a low mood persisting for many months, low energy, an apparent lack of interest in activities or concentration.
The severity of emotional symptoms caused by pollution combined with aggravating the ability to maintain routines and brain balance can be problematic.
In the next edition, Zeenat will make us understand how we can help ourselves.
