The Connection Between Climate Change and Mental Health

Global warming trends and changes in weather patterns have caused increased droughts, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves, and other natural disasters across the globe. There’s more to climate change than just the weather, though. Recent research demonstrates a clear link between global warming and environmental racism, and studies confirm a definitive connection between climate change and mental health.

Read on to learn more about what research says about climate change and mental health and to see what you can do about it.

The Aftermath of Events of Climate Change

We can’t reasonably deny that the world (and thus, the climate) is changing. Fears about an unpredictable future are causing anxiety, especially for people who find it challenging to adapt to the changing world they see.

A good example of climate change mental health issues can be found when we look at the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Survivors there experienced verifiableincreased ratesof:

It wasn’t just Maria, either. Some survivors of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana developed what’s been coined asKatrina Brain, which causes cognitive impairment and short-term memory loss. The community has also experienced increased rates of anxiety and depression, and psychiatric helplines saw a 61% increase in calls in the months following the hurricane.

Worry & Anxiety for Natural DisastersThe growing number of natural disasters related to climate change is clearly fueling anxiety — and it’s not just scientists and experts who are concerned.Astudysurveying young people between the ages of 16 – 25 found thatalmost 60%were “very worried” or “extremely worried” about the changing climate. A whopping 84% were at least “moderately worried.”“Due to the unpredictability of natural disasters, there’s always some level of concern or worry. For some individuals, that worry and concern is exacerbated and becomes anxiety. Hypervigilance and over-preparedness are hallmark signs of these individuals. It’s normal to want to be prepared for natural disasters but being able to manage anxiety is important.”–Talkspace therapist Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

Worry & Anxiety for Natural Disasters

The growing number of natural disasters related to climate change is clearly fueling anxiety — and it’s not just scientists and experts who are concerned.

Astudysurveying young people between the ages of 16 – 25 found thatalmost 60%were “very worried” or “extremely worried” about the changing climate. A whopping 84% were at least “moderately worried.”

“Due to the unpredictability of natural disasters, there’s always some level of concern or worry. For some individuals, that worry and concern is exacerbated and becomes anxiety. Hypervigilance and over-preparedness are hallmark signs of these individuals. It’s normal to want to be prepared for natural disasters but being able to manage anxiety is important.”

Sadness & Hopelessness About the Future of the PlanetUnderstandably, worry over the planet’s future can cause sadness and a sense of hopelessness. As more people begin realizing how climate change will affect them and their future, they ponder distressing things like:What will be left?What does the Earth have to look forward to?What can we do?Should we feel anything but sadness about the future of the planet?Should we be scared?Where to go from hereClimate change is complex, tough to understand, and even harder to accept. However, focusing on solutions can help when climate change mental health anxiety creeps in.There are many things you can do to make a difference. For example, you might decide to:Get involved with climate actionDonate to charities and organizations that fight climate changeSupport legislation that aims to protect the environment and our planetVoteVolunteerRecycleWork with others who care about the planetAbove all — stay positiveIf you or someone you know is feeling hopeless, it’s essential to remember that we all have a role to play in the future of our planet — and even small steps can make a difference.

Sadness & Hopelessness About the Future of the Planet

Understandably, worry over the planet’s future can cause sadness and a sense of hopelessness. As more people begin realizing how climate change will affect them and their future, they ponder distressing things like:

Where to go from here

Climate change is complex, tough to understand, and even harder to accept. However, focusing on solutions can help when climate change mental health anxiety creeps in.

There are many things you can do to make a difference. For example, you might decide to:

If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless, it’s essential to remember that we all have a role to play in the future of our planet — and even small steps can make a difference.

The Impact on Climate Crisis Workers

Crisis workers are already athigher riskof experiencing mental health issues compared to the general population. The consequences can be profound for the brave individuals on the front lines as they deal with the aftermath of destruction.

The psychological and physiological impacts of climate change on crisis workers vary. They can depend on things such as geographic location, the crisis that occurred, length of time spent in an area, and specific work conditions.

“The constant interaction with tragedy can take a toll on mental health and stability. Crisis workers are more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD. Thus, it’s important to include some level of mental health care, both during and after a crisis.”

What we can do

Manage Your Mental Health with Talkspace

There are many self-help and therapeutic tips onhow to improve your mental healthwhen climate change issues are causing stress.

If you’re having difficulty managing stress and anxiety about climate change, know that you’re not alone. Also, know that help is available. Talkspace providesonline therapyand psychiatry that’s affordable and accessible, so you can get the help you need to cope with the stress you’re experiencing.

Youcanlearn tools to manage your fears, live a peaceful life, and improve your emotional well-being. Connect with an experienced, licensed therapist today to get started withonline anxiety treatmentas you come to terms with your fears about climate change and mental health.

Sources:

Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.

Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.

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