Posted on 01/04/2006 6:50:29 AM PST by mnehring
People who live in the country have better mental health than those who live in towns and cities, researchers have said.
Some theories have suggested that the isolation of rural living, the lack of social networks and difficulties accessing amenities have a negative impact on country-dwellers' mental health.
But other studies have shown higher rates of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety in urban areas, and also higher rates of suicides.
(Excerpt) Read more at thisislondon.com ...
Another 'duh alert' scientific study. I could've told them that and saved them a bunch of money and time.
No surprise to me
I'm always amazed by Chicago on that map
Gee, where would we be without someone doing all these studies telling us what is obvious to anyone with half a brain? This shouldn't be considered a legitimate way to earn a living.
It must be all the pollution and traffic in big cities that makes them lose their common sense.
Captain of the Bloody Obvious strikes again.
I'm amazed by San Diego. Red.
Ah so now we know what ails WDC among a few other liberal gathering spots.
The isolation of rural living is perfect: you don't have the noise, crowding, and traffic-induced frustration of city living, but quite often friends and neighbors are pulling into your driveway. It's really easier for people in the country to socialize than in the cities or suburbs because they don't have that rigid 9-to-5-plus-commuting time schedule to adhere to. You may still have plenty of work to do after the milk truck leaves in the morning, but your schedule is mostly your own to determine so sometimes you can go help a neighbor in the middle of the day.
As for a lack of social networks: only a city person could imagine that the rural social network is inferior to the network of friends, associates, and kin to be found in the country.
Difficulties accessing amenities? Yes, if you mean the symphony or theater. Many people are willing to make a pilgrimmage into the city a few times a year to visit museums, exhibits, galleries, shops, sophisticated restaurants, concerts, etc. Being able to look into the distance without seeing another damned strip mall makes it worth a little travel-time to go to the theater. Certainly doesn't impinge negatively on one's mental health.
It depends on your skills. Many IT type jobs can be done virtually these days.
I think big cities are the lonliest places on earth. Millions of people and you rarely, if ever, bump into anyone you know. Here in Dogpatch, I go to the post office and they know my name. I see someone I know almost everywhere I go. I think its just a more normal, natural way of life
"Animals can be driven crazy by placing too many in too small a pen. Homo Sapiens is the only animal that voluntarily does this to himself." - Robert Heinlein
I recently moved from a crowded area in NJ to a very rural area of Burlinton county. Ive never felt better. No traffic, No Harleys, No boom cars, No crowds. I love it! Having to drive 5 miles to the nearest store bothers me NONE.
I remember learning in 7th grade that when rats were forced to be in an environment with lots of other rats that they began exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Like you said, duh.
They get married young and have babies. That's what they do, just from sheer boredom.
Some people don't want to be known everywhere. There are pluses and minuses to both. Also, it depends on how one defines "country" vs. "city." My country cousins thought I lived in the "city" but to me "city" is NYC, Chi-Town, Boston, Houston, the biggies. Also, I'm sure there are city folk in the South that are very laid back and the like compared with some of the "rural" up in areas in the Northeast. Just different tempos and everything.
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