New York can be loud. It has cars. It has subways. It has a lot of people. Not only is it loud, but it echoes, which adds to the volume. Indeed, it’s loud not only in noise, but in other senses as well, as there are very pungent scents, lots to see visually, and more.
There’s mental health benefits to living in a city. You’re able to enjoy more time with people. You’re able to get very quick access to help. You have more resources and, theoretically at least, more opportunities.
But there are downsides as well, most notably: big cities are loud. They’re busy. They are, often, in a position to overwhelm your senses. There’s a climate and resource argument to be made that all of us should be living in big cities, but we still have to be aware of what living in such a big city – especially a *loud* big city – does to the mind and body.
For example:
- Sensory Overload – Most of us are somewhat used to the city by now. But when you’re stressed or overwhelmed, you still need a way to essentially relax your brain so that you can focus on your tasks and needs. That is much harder in a big city like New York, because there is so much sensory overload. There isn’t really an opportunity for resetting your senses.
- Anxiety Production – Loud noises and busyness can also create their own anxiety. Noises can trigger anxious feelings, as your mind has to determine whether or not the sound is a danger. If you’re already prone to stress and anxiety, not only will this only exacerbate your symptoms but the sounds themselves may trigger the “yes, it is a dangerous noise” response more often.
- No Chance to Process – Similar to sensory overload, one of the ways that we are able to cope with stress as adults is by processing the day as it happens and at night. But when you have your senses overloaded with noise, it becomes harder to process the information of the day, and that can put stress on the brain.
Depending on where you live, busy cities may also make it harder to sleep or, in some cases, make you more tired because your brain is exhausted from processing the day.
The Benefits and Weaknesses of NYC
Mental health is complicated. Overall, there is considerable evidence that living in a place like New York is actually beneficial for one’s mental health, especially given access to resources, people, and more. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect, and for those that are already struggling, New York’s sensory overload can make things worse.
If you need help with your mental health for any reason, please reach out to us today.