San Joaquin Valley, known for its beautiful mountain ranges and fertile soil, is one of the most productive and technologically modern agricultural regions in the country. Remarkably, more than half of California’s agricultural output is produced here, making it a critical component of the nation’s food supply. The contributions of the San Joaquin Valley, including Modesto and Stanislaus County, are a source of local pride. Unfortunately, the Valley’s geographical landscape also creates some of the worst air quality in the country.
With such a robust agricultural economy, many people work outdoors, exposing them to high doses of air pollutants. What’s commonly known about poor air quality is how it impacts us physically: Pollutants found in the air have been linked to various cancers as well as cardiovascular issues and respiratory issues such as asthma, emphysema and COPD. But our more vulnerable communities are susceptible to other risks as well. For older adults, air pollution has coincided with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and an alarming number of other dementias.
Opinion
These physical health issues are only part of the story. During my time as a licensed clinical social worker, I’ve seen the social implications of poor air quality, which include harder-to-spot challenges of mental health and social isolation. Studies conclusively show poor air quality is linked with psychiatric disorders, including depression. This is a double-edged sword: not only does breathing polluted air have negative neurological and psychiatric impacts on mental health, but when people stay indoors to protect themselves from those pollutants, their risk for social isolation, loneliness and depression also increases. This is even more prevalent for older adults, low-income residents and people with disabilities largely due to their limited mobility or lack of transportation.
Further exacerbating matters, the Valley is experiencing an alarming shortage of behavioral health professionals, including psychiatrists, counselors and social workers. It’s a perfect storm, and all indications suggest that this situation will only get worse. To make sure we are prepared to handle what comes next, we need long-term, thorough solutions.
What does that look like? Much of this starts right within our own families and neighborhoods. Together, we must raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health.
Mental health has become a public health crisis, and the sooner we normalize seeking help for mood disorders like depression, the sooner people can get help. Some individuals are uncomfortable talking about their feelings of loneliness or depression, so family and friends must pay attention to signs: not taking part in activities they used to enjoy, loss in appetite and trouble sleeping. While it’s best to talk to your doctor about these feelings, for those who don’t feel comfortable doing so, reaching out to resources like The Friendship Line are good alternatives for staying connected.
It’s also important to know that dialing 988 anytime will connect you directly to a trained counselor about emotional distress or any mental health crisis.
We can also lean on the community for both its resources and the benefits of our neighbors. During times of increased air quality alerts, check on one another. Find indoor alternatives so you can encourage others to stay social, and offer rides or visits to those who can’t leave home easily or at all. There are senior centers in Modesto and across the Valley that offer indoor activities to maintain exercise and social needs, and many libraries have free indoor arts classes and book clubs.
For transportation barriers, options such as non-medical, free ride services exist. Finally, don’t forget to check in with your health plan to see which resources they may have available.
San Joaquin Valley is a region ripe with possibility and a leader in the agricultural realm. Although our geography presents legitimate challenges to our health and well-being, the strength of our community can help buffer us from the storm.
Kristen Slater, LCSW, is the director of clinical operations at CCA Health California.
