4 minute read
The link between mental health and sustainable development
Bridget Williams from Bead & Proceed looks at which of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have health and wellbeing front and foremost.
We’ve all heard the saying, “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. One must take care of oneself to have the strength needed to care for others. However, the demand for care required in the world right now feels overwhelming. From COVID-19 to the war in Ukraine to the growing climate crisis to monkeypox, it’s hard to know where to put your effort of support. And, in some cases, the effort can feel fruitless. This can lead to anxiety, burnout and depression. It’s no wonder one of the 17 UN SDGs is dedicated to health and wellbeing: SDG 3.
In fact, according to the World Health Organization, “there can be no health or sustainable development without mental health”, highlighting one of the themes of the SDGs and sustainability as a whole: it’s all interconnected. While SDG 3 focuses explicitly on mental health, achieving this will require action across all 17 goals, for example:
• having a sense of purpose and feeling valued in the workplace: SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth – target 8.3 and target 8.5
• staying curious, finding your vocation, and continued growth and learning: SDG 4 Quality Education – target 4.3, target 4.4 and target 4.5
• having a connection to nature and access to quality green spaces: SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities – target 11.7
• eating nutritious food that supports our bodies and brain function: SDG 2 Zero Hunger – target 2.2.
Let’s also not forget the other SDGs that play a fundamental part in our survival and basic needs: No Poverty (SDG 1), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Climate Action (SDG 13), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), just to name a few.
The relationship between mental health and the environment is inextricably connected, so it makes sense that when we care for the planet, our mental health improves. It’s a cycle: nature gives us the environment to flourish; when we flourish, we have the mental and physical capacity to help our community and give back to nature. However, if we really want to build our resilience and level up our sense of connection, working towards a set of goals is fundamental and can improve “your attitude, which can be beneficial in all phases of mental health recovery”. What better goals to work on than the SDGs, right?!
The Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association highlight that going green has significant health benefits, including:
• giving you a sense of purpose: being part of something that is “bigger than you but better because of you”, as said by Dr Lane Perry, is hugely fulfilling
• teaching you to be mindful: sustainable living is known to help people develop a clearer consciousness and focus on the bigger picture, which is to protect our planet’s health from deteriorating
• boosting mental wellness by joining sustainable communities: having a sense of belonging and knowing you are part of a movement that’s going towards lasting change can be a lifealtering experience.
There’s no doubt that taking action towards sustainable development is in our best interests, both mentally and physically, as we move into the future. This leaves the question: how do we make an impact now, especially when our action feels like
a drop in the ocean, or our capacity feels so limited? Honestly, I believe it’s as simple as focusing on doing “the next right thing”, a quote from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, and most recently, the character Anna from the movie Frozen II. Now, I am no mental health expert, but that movie is sure to fill your cup and lift the spirits.
Bridget Williams is the founder of the social enterprise, Bead & Proceed, which exists to educate people about the 17 UN SDGs and inspire action towards them. Her passion for sustainability and using creativity as a tool for innovation has made her a recognised SDGs expert, assisting organisations with sustainable strategy and SDG reporting. Bridget is a selected World Economic Forum Global Shaper and member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, which has led her to become a creditable global change maker. Her efforts have been recognised and endorsed by the Rt Hon Helen Clark and the JCI Osaka Outstanding Young Person’s Programme.
