Art by Jason Li
As we come to the close of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s vital to continue enhancing our understanding and promoting the significance of mental health in our lives. Mental health isn’t solely about treatment; it is also influenced by our everyday environments. Think of it as a crucial aspect of well-being that extends beyond treatment alone. It encompasses and affects the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of everyone in all areas of life. Prioritizing mental health means creating supportive communities and environments that nurture well-being for everyone every day. That’s where we come in.
A Community-Focused Approach to Better Mental Health
At Aesthetics, we believe in a community-driven approach to mental health design. Our projects are not just about creating physical spaces, but about fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the community. We start by understanding the unique aspects of the community we serve, including its local artists, geography, history, and culture. This understanding empowers us to create environments that resonate with the community, thereby promoting its collective mental well-being. By involving the community in our design process, we can create spaces that everyone can be proud of, showcasing our respect for each community’s unique identity.
Our design philosophy is centered around the concept of the ‘total environment,’ which refers to the entire physical and sensory experience of a space. We believe that every aspect of a space, from its layout and color scheme to the art and nature elements, can influence the emotional state of its users. Our goal is not just to mitigate negative reactions but to inspire and engage people in a way that improves and sustains the improvement of their emotional states. All of our projects promote positive mental health through the integration of art and design, creating environments that are conducive to well-being.
We have always believed that creating these environments is equally important to the staff who spend their days in healthcare environments. Healthcare staff spend long hours in these environments, and the design of their surroundings has a direct impact on their stress levels, focus, and job satisfaction. We understand the importance of a positive work environment in maintaining the well-being of our client’s staff, and we’re committed to providing spaces that are beneficial to our patients and those who care for them.
The Power of Nature Imagery
Viewing images of nature has been shown to have a significant positive effect on health, particularly for those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Images of nature activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and calm the mind. Studies using brain imaging and cortisol levels show that even brief exposure to natural scenes can be effective. Nature imagery – especially scenes with greenery, water, or soft natural light can elevate mood and improve attention span, working memory, and focus. The careful selection and installation of these images can actually improve a sense of safety, enlightening us about the power of nature in promoting mental well-being. This knowledge gives us hope and optimism for the future of mental health design.
One of the wonderful additions to healing environments has been the advent of nature murals. These murals, produced on virtually indestructible surfaces, allow artists to express the beauty and awe of the natural world in expressive ways. This is particularly advantageous for mental health facilities that want to create environments that convey warmth and homelike characteristics. Nature-themed murals create endorphins as the pictures that surround the observers become windows to the world, whether it’s the beaches, the woods, or the deserts among us.
Mental Health is a Journey
Let’s remember that the environments we create through art, nature, and intentional design have the power to uplift and heal, having a lasting effect on mental health. At Aesthetics, we’re committed to designing spaces that not only reflect the heart of each community but also support the emotional well-being of everyone within them. By integrating nature, honoring local culture, and prioritizing the needs of both patients and caregivers, we can continue to make meaningful strides in mental health support long after May has ended.
