Knowing the psychological “risks” of the city

Growing up or living in a city now makes a difference

In the new study, city dwellers had heightened responses to stress in the brain’s amygdala, which plays key roles in mood, depression, and anxiety, compared to people living in towns or in the country. People who were raised in a city also had more activation in another brain area: the cingulate cortex, which is linked to the regulation of the stress response, particularly to chronic social stressors, and to negative mood. So the brain is apparently sensitive to the timing of city dwelling, and changes in response to whether one grows up or lives in a city now.

Interactions trigger stress

One of the explanations for behavioral risks is that city people experience many more social stressors than people in less populated areas. If you live in a city, just think about the raw number of interactions – not all of which are pleasant – you have every day. We’re bombarded by people from every direction, from subways and elevators to the office building. Earlier studies have linked social stressors to changes in the very same brain areas highlighted in the current study.

Difference between numerous social interactions a strong social support network

So while city dwellers may have more social interactions, they’re not necessarily good ones. There’s a difference between having numerous social interactions on a daily basis and having a strong social support network, which has been linked to fewer health problems, mental health problems, and a longer life span.   The better our social support from family and friends, the more resilient we become, in body and mind.

So how do city folk de-stress while still enjoying the benefits of city life? 

It’s all about developing and maintaining strong relationships with other people – and perhaps with green things outdoors – says Meyer-Lindenberg.  He jokes with Forbes blogger Alice G. Walton that “based on my study the only thing I can recommend is a trip to the country…But I am also pretty convinced that a supportive social network is key, so keep and develop that.” Here are some more ideas for city dwellers to de-stress:

• Learn to Communicate
  Communication is actually a cognitive skill that can be learned, says Meyer-Lindenberg.  Feeling comfortable about speaking your mind, rather than stifling your voice, can significantly reduce your stress level.
• Detox with a Day Trip
  Take a drive or train ride outside of the city on your day off.  Go to the coast, or to the mountains or just to walk around in some fresh air.
• De-Isolate Yourself
  Join a group. The internet has made doing so easy to find specialized groups for many different interests, where you can meet people that could mean a strong social network for you.  
• Go for Green
  Exercising outside in a green space – for as little as five minutes a day – helped boost people’s self-esteem and mood significantly.
• Have a Lunch Date with the Locals
  For Sunday brunch, don’t just try a new restaurant, try a new town.  Take a drive an hour or two outside the city, and discover a new haunt in a whole new location.  
• Stress Management
  Even a time management crash course, says Meyer-Lindenberg, can do a lot to reduce your stress level.  There are many methods of stress management, which can be as simple as changing your diet or adding some exercise to your routine.
• Zone out with Some Zen – or Zumba
  Engage in a new relaxation technique, says Meyer-Lindenberg, like breathing, meditation, yoga – belly dancing? – or anything else that relaxes and delights you.