Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health

Climate change is a global crisis with a far-reaching impact on various aspects of human life. While its physical consequences, such as extreme weather events like floods, droughts, storms, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity, are often highlighted, the mental health repercussions are equally significant but less discussed. 

These changes can harm people’s health in many ways, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Climate change can make diseases spread more easily, cause injuries and deaths from severe weather, and even lead to food shortages and malnutrition because crops don’t grow as well. It can also affect mental health, which is just as important. In simpler terms, climate change can make people feel anxious, stressed, or sad because of all the changes happening around them.

In short, climate change is a big problem caused by human activities that can harm people’s health and well-being in many ways, including physically and mentally.

How Climate Change Affects Mental Health

1. Impact of Temperature Rise:

• Aggressive Behavior: Warmer temperatures can lead to increased aggression and criminality, especially during hot months. As the earth gets warmer, this may become more common.
• Suicide Rates: Higher temperatures have been linked to more frequent and violent suicides.
• Heat Waves and Mental Disorders: Heat waves can cause mood disorders, anxiety, and other mental health issues. People may feel exhausted both physically and mentally during extreme heat, especially in workplaces with high temperatures.

2. Psychological Consequences of Climate Disasters:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Those who experience climate-related disasters like floods or hurricanes are at risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks, heightened alertness, and avoidance of reminders of the event. PTSD can appear months or even years after the disaster.
• Other Stress Disorders: Climate disasters can also trigger acute stress reactions, adjustment disorders, and even acute psychosis or bipolar disorder relapse.
• Depression and Grief: Loss of homes, communities, and loved ones can lead to depression, especially in rural areas. The mental health impacts of climate disasters are likely to affect more people as these events become more common.
  

There are now also new terms to describe some of the mental health effects of climate change, such as Eco-anxiety, which refers to the chronic fear of environmental damage, and eco-grief, which is described as the mourning of environmental loss, such as the extinction of species or the destruction of natural habitats. Both conditions are becoming more prevalent, especially among younger generations who are aware of the environmental crisis. Wildfires, floods, and other extreme weather events can cause immediate trauma and long-term psychological effects. Survivors often experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression, worsened by the loss of personal property, community, and sense of security.

Association with Physical Illnesses

Impact on Physical Health:

• Link with Mental Health: Physical illnesses can greatly affect mental well-being. Even if the distress isn’t severe enough for a psychiatric diagnosis, it can still cause anxiety and depression, which can be managed with medication and counseling.
• Climate Change and Health Problems: Climate change is expected to increase various health issues like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and kidney problems. Factors like heat, droughts, floods, and environmental pollutants such as pollen and smoke contribute to these problems.
• Chronic Diseases and Mental Health: Chronic illnesses can directly or indirectly impact mental health due to the stress of coping with the condition.

What needs to be done?
As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for accessible mental health support becomes more urgent. Online counselling provided by platforms like Samvedna Care is stepping in to provide essential services, offering a range of benefits:

1) Reachability: Online counselling helps in breaking down geographical barriers, making mental health support accessible to those in remote or underserved areas. This is particularly important for individuals displaced by climate change or those living in areas where traditional mental health services are limited.

2) Convenience: Online counselling’s flexibility allows individuals to seek help without disrupting their daily lives. Sessions can be scheduled at convenient times, which is crucial for those dealing with the chaos and instability caused by climate-related events.

3) Anonymity and Comfort: For many, discussing mental health issues can be distressing. Online platforms offer a degree of anonymity that can make individuals feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles. This is particularly beneficial for those dealing with the stigma often associated with mental health issues.

Samvenda Care is at the frontline for spreading awareness of mental health and climate change. By recognizing the unique challenges posed by climate change, they offer specialized services tailored to these needs. In addition to one-on-one counselling, Samvenda Care offers group sessions where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. This sense of community can be incredibly therapeutic, providing mutual support and understanding.

Climate change and mental health are important issues that demand attention. Samvenda Care’s online counselling services are vital to support, helping individuals navigate the psychological challenges posed by our changing environment.