Mental Health, Social Isolation, and the Role of Community Support Structures in Urbanized Environments
Keywords:
Mental health, urbanization, social isolation, community support, psychological well-being, public health, community resilienceAbstract
As urban populations continue to grow, mental health challenges associated with social isolation have become increasingly prevalent in densely populated cities. The urban environment, while offering economic and technological opportunities, often fosters fragmented social networks, reduced interpersonal connections, and increased stress levels. This paper explores the intersections between mental health, social isolation, and the efficacy of community support structures in mitigating psychological distress in urban settings. Drawing on a synthesis of literature and recent urban policy implementations, we argue that inclusive, community-based interventions offer a vital countermeasure to the growing epidemic of mental health disorders in urbanized societies.
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