Climate Change and Trends in Population Mental Health

As per a previous study, it was observed that climate change acts on mental health with different timings, the effects of climate change differ among individuals based on geographic location, intensity, and duration of extremities of the variations in climatic conditions. A few effects that have been observed have been acting through mechanisms like traumatic stress. These effects can also be delayed and later surface after prolonged exposure to weather-related events and are further transmitted to later generations. Taking into consideration extreme events resulting from temperature increases like heat waves or floods, the effects of those events on the mental health of the affected population have been described in terms of distress symptoms, depression, sleep disturbances, PTSD, etc. Disturbances of the environmental conditions and ecosystems in a particular geographic area may bring about feelings of hopelessness and depression, this leads to complex psychopathological consequences that are for example related to loss of familiar landscape.

References:

1. Cianconi, P., Betrò, S., Janiri, L., Loganovsky, K., & Avella, M. T. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health: A Systematic Descriptive Review. Article, 11, 1. //doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00074

Climate change and its impact on mental health and well-being are unequally distributed within certain groups of population depending upon age, gender, socioeconomic status and which are already leading to massive mental health burdens globally.The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers climate change as one of the social determinants of mental health, which reflects that the risk of developing mental health issues are strongly associated with social inequalities. Hence, the marginalised and the vulnerable group of population are at more risk of developing mental health issues associated with climatic changes compared to the general group of population. Most individuals might do well but many are impacted by extremes of weather events and experiences a range of difficulties.One of the research states that the mental health consequences linked to climatic changes includes stress, sleeplessness, high risk coping behaviour, mood disorders, psychological distress, irritability, aggressiveness and even violence.A 2021 WHO survey of the 95 countries found that only 9 have so far included mental health and psychological support in their national health and climate changes plans.Therefore, a better understanding of the problems and developing solutions for climatic actions can bring multiple benefits to the individuals and the society, hence improving the health of the population and the planet and producing a world that fosters our well-being.

References:

1. Palinkas, L. A., & Wong, M. (2020). Global climate change and mental health. Current opinion in psychology, 32, 12–16. //doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.06.023

When reading literature it is evident how the global temperature has risen from past one century. Not only it is a resultant of pollution, but a multitude of reasons. The impact of climate change has grave impacts on not only humans but marine life, wildlife, vulnerable most who live in most challenging situations etc. Post industrialization, the elevation in climate change has been constant impacting physical, social and mental health. The mental health consequences of events linked to a changing global climate include mild stress and distress, high-risk coping behavior such as increased alcohol use and, occasionally, mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress (1). As per the IPPC revealed that rapidly increasing climate change poses a rising threat to mental health and psychosocial well-being; from emotional distress to anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behavior. However the mental health impacts of climate change are unequally distributed with certain groups disproportionately affected depending on factors such as socioeconomic status, gender and age.

Furthermore, these effects can include trauma and shock, post-traumatic stress disorder, feelings of abandonment, and anxiety and depression that can lead to suicidal ideation and risky behavior. At the community level, these disasters can strain social relationships, reduce social cohesion and increase interpersonal violence and child abuse (2)

In the long term, climate change has equally profound mental health impacts. Rising temperatures can fuel mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and vascular dementia, and can increase emergency room usage and suicide rates, according to the report. Changes in the local environment can cause grief, disorientation and poor work performance, as well as harm to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. People displaced by climate change events, such wildfires or droughts, can experience loss of personal identity, among other more severe impacts. Ultimately, mass migrations spurred by long-term climate change can lead to intergroup hostilities, political conflicts, terrorism and even war (3).

In a report by UCL Energy Institute, the cost implications of climate change impacts on mental health need to be considered. Actions to mitigate climate change can positively influence mental health. Worldwide tracking of the mental health impacts of climate change is necessary. Key stakeholders such as policy makers, health care professionals, researchers and communities need to be brought together to share expertise, identify promising interventions and coordinate action (4).

References:

1. Psychiatry.org—Climate Change and Mental Health Connections. (n.d.). [Accessed from //psychiatry.org:443/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections ]

2.Why mental health is a priority for action on climate change. (n.d.). [Accessed from //www.who.int/news/item/03-06-2022-why-mental-health-is-a-priority-for-action-on-climate-change ]

3.Urgent need to address mental health effects of climate change, says report. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. [Accessed from //www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/11/mental-health-effects-climate-change ]

4.UCL. (2021, July 26). Climate change and mental health. The Bartlett. //www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/news/2021/jul/climate-change-and-mental-health

In addition to this discussion, it is also notable to add Dr Morgansteins' (Yale University) contribution to 2016 Climate and Health Assessment chapter. it is further known from him that distress reactions such as insomnia, scapegoating, irritability and risky behaviors are commonly exhibited behaviors. According to a report from the American Public Health Association and eco America, up to 54% of adults and 45% of children suffer depression after a natural disaster.

Parks et al. (1) also found an evidence of increased risk of death by suicide, particularly among men, who live in warmer habitats. Additionally, researchers have found correlations between exposure to poor air air quality and increased risk of psychiatric outcomes including anxiety, schizophrenia and personality disorder. 

1.Parks, R. M., Bennett, J. E., Tamura-Wicks, H., Kontis, V., Toumi, R., Danaei, G., & Ezzati, M. (2020). Anomalously warm temperatures are associated with increased injury deaths. Nature Medicine, 26(1), 65–70. //doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0721-y