The relationship between exposure to air pollution in children and an increase in the risk of developing schizophrenia is quite alarming. I don’t find it hard to imagine a New Delhi full of schizophrenics and what a horror story that would make (“Air pollution may affect psychological health in kids,” Jan.8, Gulf Today).

But the news isn’t surprising because by now we should have learnt that whatever actions deviate from the normal and from nature — which is our source — would surely cause us harm.

That’s why we see the rise of depression in urban areas and cities with a lack of trees and an abundance of concrete structures. We also see a decline in general wellbeing where people have no places to walk or jog for the lack of clean and green spaces and the paucity of clean air. The noise of traffic and being stuck for hours in traffic congestion would be a direct cause of increase in blood pressure.

While diabetes is a problem that’s related to sugar levels in the body, it is propelled by improper eating habits and stress.

Thus all the above are deviations from what nature designed for us. We are meant to be connected to nature. To breathe clean air and eat good fruit. We are meant to move our bodies, not in the gym but in the green outdoors.

When we try to replace all of this with manmade stuff, we will surely end up with mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

Joyce D
By email