As climate change progresses, communities are facing more adverse mental health impacts. Extreme weather events are linked with emotional distress, and there is even a link between higher temperatures and suicide rates. Climate change is exacerbating mental health issues, even for those not directly impacted by these extreme weather events. The looming threat of climate change can cause mental distress, creating feelings of doom over uncertainty for the future of our planet. Eco-anxiety, which is most prevalent among young people, is taking a tremendous mental health toll on communities across the globe. In a 2021 survey of young people in 10 countries, more than 45% of respondents said their feelings of eco-anxiety affected their daily lives, sometimes impacting their ability to work or sleep. Despite this challenge, more than 122 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals.
Mental health impacts of climate change can be acute, gradual, or a mix of both (see below).
Acute Impacts (storms, floods, wildfires, extreme heat)
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disaster
- Self-harm (substance abuse and suicidal ideation)
Gradual Impacts (rising temperatures, elevated sea levels, extreme precipitation/drought)
- Chronic stress from climate consequences (job loss, displacement)
- Chronic stress from physical health effects (infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, nutrient deficiencies)
- Chronic stress from instability/uncertainty about the future
Although we are all at risk, certain groups are more susceptible to distress and other mental health problems linked to climate change-related exposures. Children, the elderly, women (particularly pregnant women and mothers of newborns), minorities, the poor, the homeless, people with preexisting mental illness and first responders are more vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes. Patients with chronic mental health challenges are especially vulnerable to heat waves. Communities that rely on the natural environment for sustenance and their livelihood are also in danger of adverse mental health consequences, e.g. agricultural workers and indigenous communities.
These impacts, as well as the way to manage them in a public health setting might look drastically different from each other. This challenge requires a broad public health approach to bring together mental health professionals and combat barriers to receiving mental health care. APHA recommends a broad and diverse network of individuals and organizations, such as environmental justice organizations, public health professionals, government officials, and faith-based groups, to improve mental wellness and climate resilience.
More Resources
Project Petals: Aligning Mental Health and Environmental/ Climate Justice
- Check out this article by the American Psychiatric Association.
- Download the Mental Wellness Social Media Toolkit (PDF).
- Learn more and share this graphic on the compounding effects of climate change on mental health and well-being.
- APHA’s Climate Change and Mental Health Interventions Workshop
- Health Action Alliance: Climate & Workforce Health: Addressing the Mental Health Impacts of Our Changing Climate: Climate & Workforce Health
- https://www.pathlms.com/health/courses/52185/video_presentations/301178 (add description)
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