Climate change is affecting people’s mental health in various ways. From post-traumatic stress to anxiety about the future, the term “eco-anxiety” has gained popularity in the past few years.
Climate change is known to have two different effects on people’s mental health. First, it can trigger psychological responses, such as the reactions of people who experienced a disaster. Second, it can affect people’s ability to absorb and interpret information.
Climate Change and Mental Health
To understand this relationship, we must look to a report released by the IPCC in February 2021, which stated that climate change is threatening the well-being of people’s mental health. It identified various mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Climate change’s effects on people’s mental health are unevenly distributed, with certain groups being more severely affected than others. It’s also clear that the effects of climate change significantly impact various social determinants, which are contributing to the rising global mental health burden. A 2021 survey revealed that only nine out of 95 countries had included mental health and climate change support in their national health plans.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
According to a 2018 survey conducted by Harris Interactive, over 70% of Americans are worried about climate change. Also, about 25% of Americans are alarmed by the issue. This is significantly higher than the number who expressed alarm the year before.
To put this into context, most Americans are worried about climate change. This constant worry has already proven to hurt our mental health. Experts believe this will continue to compound.
Mental Health Impacts
The most immediate effects of climate change are seen in the aftermath of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. These disasters can trigger various mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They can also affect the social relationships of people. In addition to contributing to the development of mental health issues, these disasters can also increase the risk of child abuse and interpersonal violence.
Climate change is having a negative impact on people’s mental health in the long run. It can cause various mental health issues, such as schizophrenia and anxiety, and it can increase the number of suicides and emergency room visits. In addition, the effects of climate change can affect people’s work performance and relationships.
People affected by climate change-related disasters such as droughts or wildfires can experience psychological issues, such as loss of identity. Mass migrations caused by climate change can also lead to political conflicts and intergroup hostilities.