Anticipating Mental Health Effects of Climate Change: Readying Strategies for Adaptation
Redefining the Doom and Gloom:
The devastating impact of escalating weather events like droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and floods aren't just physical; they take a toll on people's mental health too. This Special Feature delves into the direct effects of climate change on mental health and the importance of fostering resilience to turn the ever-present eco-anxiety into proactive action.
Imagine if humanity received a warning that a planet-destroying asteroid was hurtling towards Earth. Surely, global leaders would take drastic measures to deflect it and avoid the catastrophe. But what if they ignored the warnings and continued with business as usual, eventually leading to an inevitable disaster? That's the premise of Netflix's Don't Look Up, a dark comedy that struck a chord with environmental activists, frustrated by the inaction of politicians and the media towards addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Eco-anxiety - chronic worry about the future of the planet and its inhabitants - is a rational response to an apparent threat when it prompts you to take preventive action. However, uncontrolled anxiety in the face of threats beyond our control can breed feelings of helplessness and even lead to clinical depression. Young people, who witness a lack of urgency by policymakers to address environmental dangers, are especially susceptible to such feelings.
In a survey of 10,000 individuals aged 16-25 years across ten countries, over 45% reported that their feelings about climate change negatively impacted their daily lives and functioning. Notably, ratings of anxiety and distress were significantly associated with the impression that the government response to the climate emergency has been insufficient.
Caroline Hickman, Ph.D., a psychotherapist specializing in eco-anxiety in children and young people, expressed concern over the rising tide of despair among the youth. She frequently hears children and young people lamenting that they feel abandoned, betrayed, and doomed by the inaction of world leaders.
Moreover, the increased frequency of extreme weather events, directly caused by climate change, already has severe consequences for human health. While extensive research exists on the physical health ramifications of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, less attention has been paid to their psychological impact. A recent review of 120 studies published over the past 20 years reveals that extreme weather events could lead to:
- psychological distress
- worsened mental health, particularly in individuals with existing psychiatric disorders
- increased hospitalizations for psychiatric conditions
- heightened rates of suicide
The authors of the review warn that the mental health effects of climate change will span a wide range, from mild stress to an increase in psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, some people may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive alcohol consumption to deal with the psychological trauma brought on by the changing climate.
Temperatures soaring to critical levels seem to be directly linked to elevated rates of suicide. Research suggests that extreme heat could cause symptoms of agitation and confusion, potentially exacerbating feelings of despair and hopelessness, leading to suicidal ideation.
To help those who are most vulnerable during heatwaves, the Climate Psychiatry Alliance advises the following precautions:
- arranging for a friend or neighbor to check on you at regular intervals
- learning to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke
- consulting a healthcare professional about any changes to your regular medication during hot weather
In the face of such grim realities, it's crucial to cultivate resilience and turn the paralyzing dread of eco-anxiety into action. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends proactive measures to prepare for extreme weather events and deal with the ongoing emotional impact of climate change threats.
Preparing for the worst includes making household emergency plans, assembling an emergency kit, and strengthening social networks within the community to share resources and skills during disasters. Furthermore, pro-environmental lifestyle changes, such as minimizing your carbon footprint and conserving the planet's resources, can improve mental well-being in the face of climate threats.
A Canadian study discovered that pro-environmental actions were associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, even after accounting for demographic variables like age, income, and education. Among the activities linked to enhanced well-being were:
- home composting
- growing your own food
- buying organic food
- discussing environmental issues with children
- avoiding excess packaging in purchases
Pro-environmental behavior seems to provide a "win-win" scenario for both public health and the environment by promoting psychological well-being while fostering positive environmental impact.
Additionally, having like-minded friends and community members to share concerns and join environmental initiatives can help build resilience against eco-anxiety. Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist, is a testament to this. She struggled with depression at age 11, finding little solace in the indifference she saw around her. However, Thunberg found purpose and a supportive community after she decided to start a school strike demanding climate action, which eventually spawned the global Fridays for Future climate movement.
Force of Nature, a nonprofit organization that empowers young people to take action on climate change, offers online forums where young activists can share their frustrations and connect with like-minded individuals. Website Call Your Mother also provides a space for young people to express their feelings about the climate crisis and build connections with others.
Ultimately, eco-anxiety is a healthy response to the looming ecological challenges the world will face in the coming decades. Instead of trying to suppress the fear, organizations like Force of Nature suggest embracing it as proof that you are aware of the world's issues. To avoid being overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, and anger, the key is to couple these emotions with a sense of agency, community, and vision.
Nature-based activities have shown to aid in reducing anxiety and increasing emotional resilience. Research indicates that spending at least 2 hours a week in nature results in improved health and well-being, comparable to meeting recommended physical activity levels. Moreover, nature-based interventions can help alleviate income-related health inequalities and buffer individuals against stressors.
In light of the overwhelming nature of the climate crisis, recognizing the rationality of eco-anxiety and validating the feelings it invokes is essential. Volunteering for environmental organizations, joining advocacy groups, modifying personal habits to reduce carbon footprints, and participating in activities that promote mindfulness and connection with nature can all contribute to building resilience and transforming eco-anxiety into proactive action.
- The mental health effects of climate change extend beyond mere anxiety, as extreme weather events can lead to psychological distress, worsened mental health, increased hospitalizations for psychiatric conditions, and heightened rates of suicide.
- In efforts to address the growing eco-anxiety among young people, proactive measures like enhancing resilience, fostering communities, and embracing pro-environmental behaviors are recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and organizations such as Force of Nature.
- Pro-environmental behaviors, like home composting, growing one's own food, and avoiding excess packaging in purchases, are associated with higher levels of life satisfaction and can contribute to improved mental well-being in the face of climate threats.
- Nature-based activities, including spending at least 2 hours a week in nature, have shown to aid in reducing anxiety and increasing emotional resilience, while also contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Recognizing the rationality of eco-anxiety and validating the feelings it invokes is essential, as it encourages individuals to take proactive steps towards combating climate change and building resilience.
- Crucially, the ongoing mental health benefits of embracing pro-environmental behaviors and participating in climate-focused activities can help transform eco-anxiety into a force for positive change, for both personal well-being and for the health of the planet.
