How Does Climate Change Affect Mental Health – Surviving a storm concept as a battered stressed tree blown by violent winds in flood waters as an anxiety or abuse metaphor to withstand psychological or physical pain with 3D illustration elements.
Climate change poses a tremendous challenge to humans. Rising temperatures, heat waves, melting glaciers and icebergs – all these things point to how our climate patterns are changing rapidly. While many scientists agree that climatic changes affect human psychology, there aren’t many objective studies in this regard. This article takes a close look at how changes in climate are affecting our mental health.
Concerns about climate change have been shown to contribute to cases of depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. There is also evidence that climate worries can contribute to increased suicide rates. Many people can feel better by actively doing something to combat climate change. For some joining a group working to save our oceans or prevent extinctions can alleviate symptoms of mental illness.
Changes in mental health and climate change
There is a vast body of evidence that links changes in mental health to extreme events. Researchers have found a strong correlation between heat waves and sleep patterns, depression, post-traumatic stress and even suicide. One example of an extreme event is temperatures equal to 45 degrees or more. Extreme events can have other ramifications, such as disruption of livelihoods and social networks.
This disruption may cause post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and also increased substance misuse. People who survive natural disorders and extreme events are likely to feel a loss of their “sense of place”. These people often cut back on their daily life activities, which may exacerbate or cause mental health issues. In short, climatic changes affect people drastically.
Heatwaves and mental health
Climatologists consider heat waves as spikes of elevated temperatures that last several days or weeks. Lately, many researchers have started associating heat waves with climate change. This phenomenon has increased in intensity and frequency and is regional in character. Heatwaves also affect our mental health in several ways. Several reports indicate that heat stress causes mental disorders and other related consequences.
Another report indicates that persons with mental illness were three times more likely to die from heat waves than others. Health researchers also concluded that exposure to heatwaves can cause below-average birth weight and even pre-term death of the fetus. Therefore, expectant mothers must avoid exposure to the sun. Climate change affects mental health in other ways as well.
Global; warming, water and mental health
Climate researchers indicate that global warming will lead to more tropical cyclones, higher intensity of cyclones, and more floods. All these phenomena can have severe repercussions on our mental well-being. It seems that flooding has a direct correlation with PTSD. A PUBMED study found a direct correlation between the intensity of a water-related disaster and the severity of mental health effects.
Researchers have also concluded that after an acute phase of water-related disasters, many members of the affected population experience mental health issues. Because flooding causes both deaths and displacement of people, it is a major cause of psychological distress. This distress can cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Behavioural problems persist after the disaster is over, and the affected people experience several mental disorders.
Climate change and wildfires
Wildfires are defined as large scale fires involving vast tracts of forests and grasslands. Several parts of the world, such as the Amazon, Central Africa, Siberia, California, and Australia, have had wildfires. Climatologists and mental health researchers say wildfires may affect humans in several ways. One study found that wildfires caused increased substance abuse, psychosomatic illness, and PTSD in the affected population.
The rise in sea levels and mental health
Scientists estimate sea levels can rise by 121 cm in 2021. There are several reasons behind this rise. The most obvious reason is the melting of icebergs at an above-normal rate. Wide-scale deforestation leads to an increase in temperature and this also causes glaciers and icebergs to melt faster. When sea levels rise, communities living in coastal areas experience mental trauma and disorders.
Combating the rise in sea levels
Although rising sea levels are a cause of concern, there are several grassroots organizations that are battling this threat. Ordinary citizens can also do their bit to fight this climate change threat. For example, we can cut down on our energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint. Simple things that walking or cycling rather than driving can help reduce global warming.
You can also do your bit by visiting coastal communities affected by the rise in sea levels. These communities are facing the loss of livelihood because of reduced tourist footfalls. You can also contribute by buying products made by these local communities and helping them economically. People can also make a difference by joining one of the many environmental conservation groups and organizations.
Concluding thoughts on climate change
To sum up, climate change affects mental health in many ways. Rising sea levels, heatwaves, floods. wildfires are some good examples of climate change. Changes in climate can lead to mental stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. However, we all can battle climate change by adopting some basic steps, such as reducing energy consumption and avoiding driving to work.
