Third Places Also Need to Be Safe

I’ve written about the importance of what are referred to as third places – not work and not home – as an essential part of community and thus mental health. Having places where we interact with others, form connections, and learn about other people has enormous benefits.

Except when they don’t.

Rethinking community spaces and their impact on youth mental health

The mere presence of neighborhood amenities may not be enough of a protective factor for the mental health of young people from diverse backgrounds, as we recognize that youth from different backgrounds may navigate neighborhood spaces differently due to unfair systems of racism and oppression.”

Melissa Villodas, assistant professor of social work, George Mason University

I think this is interesting. Of course, access to a park or walkable neighborhoods would lead to better mental health outcomes. At least that is what we’d expect. But for some young people, when that park or neighborhood isn’t safe, it might turn into yet another place to be hyperalert and anxious about.

All of this goes to show that we can’t separate mental health from our cultural environment and the difficulties of racism, poverty, crime, etc.