Man as part of the environment

The issue of the Environment has become a social, economic and political issue worldwide. We see it in the conferences of the institutions, being one of the first issues on the agenda of those involved at national or global level, who are trying to reach a common agreement in order to pursue a common and beneficial policy for man. We are now seeing this more and more in the consequences of climate change, which are natural disasters, poverty, loss and refugeeism. Mental health is the most fragile part of the human being and is affected accordingly in any change that occurs in the immediate or wider environment, social or natural. This impact is often unconscious, subconscious and not experienced due to denial mechanisms. Concentration and attention is focused on the body due to cultural characteristics, especially in Western culture. One will go to a psychologist when one starts to have symptoms and usually modern man now often has psychosomatic symptoms. So, the human being, as part of a larger environment, is directly affected by all these changes that are happening.

The human being as part of the environment has always been in direct and dynamic interaction with it. For most of its history it has been attuned and connected in a harmonious coexistence. In his consciousness it was inscribed as something living and organic. As it moved away from itself, in the context of galloping evolution, it moved away from the environment, losing the most important and secure relationship it could have. His place. Today man is a psychological refugee, and in order to endure this loss he has created a relationship of control and exploitation with the environment. He convinced himself that his sense of ownership would cover his lost place. The results of this personal crisis are reflected in the enormous environmental changes, with devastating consequences for man and the planet. Research shows that social unrest is predicted as a result of this environmental crisis. The magnitude of this shift is significant and man is accustomed to living in his microcosm and because of his denial is unable to grasp it. But the effect on his psyche is pivotal and calls for a cultural reflection and an individual and social awakening.

In this context, recognizing the importance of this relationship, which influences and determines mental health on an individual or societal level, was included in the key areas of our programs. We aspire to highlight how this two-way relationship interacts and the impact it has between the two sides. Beyond social awareness and sensitization, we aim to contribute and reinforce the idea of deeper research and open a creative and productive dialogue, networking those involved in scientific social institutions with the environment and mental health.

Going deeper into this issue, we believe that the level of consciousness of humanity is the main factor responsible for much of this crisis. Despite all the warnings and much information surrounding the crisis, the strategies for resolution are limited to half measures, ignoring the more essential response we are called upon to make as a science and as a society, which is a true relationship with the environment within us. When this awakening and transformation takes place, the benefits will be great.