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As the national capital continues to grapple with a thick layer of smog, health issues are on the rise in Delhi. From breathing problems to skin allergies, people are suffering badly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR has reached the 'severe' category for the first time this season today with the Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking to 429. This has raised concerns as it has marked the country's worst air quality in the past 24 hours.

As winter sets in north India, several Indian cities will witness worsening air pollution. The national capital will be one of the worst hit, resulting in the deteriorating health of the residents. Several studies have repeatedly pointed out how air pollution has a direct impact on emotional health, too.

Dr Debasmita Sinha, Chief Psychologist and Clinical Director of Excellence at Manah Wellness shares that while scientists are still trying to understand the correlation between air pollution and mental health, there’s enough proof that the former does result in bad mental health. A 2019 study in the US and Denmark has found that exposure to air pollution “is significantly associated with increased risk of psychiatric disorders” such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and personality disorder.

Studies have also revealed that toxic air can even lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. But how? How can air pollution affect mental health?

Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, Consultant, and Psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai shares that poor AQI means air pollution and it can lead to many disorders, especially cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, which can indirectly affect mental health. “These disorders can cause anxiety, depression, etc. because they are related to cardiovascular issues. Cardiovascular illnesses are known to cause anxiety and depression, and respiratory illnesses are also known to cause anxiety and depression. There is a bidirectional relationship, meaning anxiety and depression can provoke cardiovascular disorders, and cardiovascular disorders can worsen anxiety and depression,” he said.

“Similarly, respiratory illnesses also have a bidirectional relationship, meaning respiratory illnesses can worsen anxiety and depression, and anxiety and depression can worsen respiratory illnesses. Secondly, air pollution can trigger inflammation within the body. Newer studies on depression have suggested that neuroinflammation occurs, where certain minute changes in the brain cause serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels to malfunction, meaning they don't secrete at optimal levels. This can lead to depression, as one of the major causes of depression is low serotonin and monoamine levels,” he further explained.

Studies have also shown that long-term exposure to poor air quality can increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. New studies are showing that depression can act as a marker for neurodegenerative disorders. Many years before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia appear, people may be diagnosed with depression.

Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist and CEO, Tulasi Healthcare New Delhi shares how constant exposure to polluted air can lead to psychological problems.

Constant exposure to polluted air stresses the body as it strives to cope with harmful particles and toxins. This physical stress can affect stress hormone levels, such as cortisol, which is associated with heightened anxiety. People may experience an increase in generalized anxiety or specific health-related anxieties concerning themselves and their loved ones.

Research has shown that pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 can cause inflammation in the brain, potentially impacting areas that regulate mood. This inflammation is linked to low and depressed moods. Poor-quality air can also reduce oxygen levels in the brain, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and negative thinking, which can increase the risk of depression.

Poor air quality can cause respiratory problems, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, irritability, and frustration. Long-term sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function and emotional stability, increasing susceptibility to stress, anxiety, and depression.

On days of high pollution, people are encouraged to stay indoors, limiting social interaction, an essential aspect of mental well-being. This isolation can lead to loneliness, which may contribute to mood disorders and anxiety.

How To Keep Mental Health In Check During Severe AQI?

Dr Gorav suggests several measures to improve mental health during severe or poor air quality:

Improving Indoor Air Quality:

Using high-quality air purifiers, especially in bedrooms and living areas, can help filter out pollutants. Plants like aloe vera and snake plants naturally clean indoor air. Keeping indoor spaces clean can reduce the psychological and physiological burdens of continuous pollutant exposure.

Regular At-Home Exercise:

Physical exercise boosts mood, but outdoor exercise should be avoided on high-pollution days. Indoor activities like yoga or stretching promote blood circulation, reduce stress, and release endorphins. Deep breathing exercises or pranayama can counter respiratory stress from pollution and help lower anxiety levels.

Mindfulness and Meditation:

Practising mindfulness and meditation can improve emotional stability and reduce pollution-related anxiety. Taking a few minutes each day for mindfulness exercises or focused breathing can relieve stress and promote a sense of calm.

Seeking Social Interaction Indoors:

Isolation can worsen mental health issues, so maintaining social connections during high-pollution days is crucial. Plan indoor gatherings with friends or family or connect via video calls. Talking about mental health can reduce feelings of loneliness and help manage anxiety.

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