Impact Of Climate Change On Mental Health – About one in five U.S. Adults living with mental illness. And a growing body of research suggests that climate change may worsen mental health and well-being for these individuals and many others.
According to recent reports from the IPCC, “Approximately 20-30% of hurricane survivors develop depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the first few months after the event, similar rates to people who have experienced floods.”
Impact Of Climate Change On Mental Health
As Mental Health Awareness Month ends and hurricane season begins, we’re focusing on reporting scientific insights and resources around climate change and mental health.
Mental Health Awareness: It’s Time To Tackle Eco Anxiety
Climate change presents widespread threats to human health. And a growing body of research provides evidence for the effects of climate change on mental health in particular.
In February 2022, a major IPCC scientific report systematically reviewed the evidence linking climate change to diagnosable mental health disorders and wider consequences for well-being.
This was the first time that mental health was directly discussed and assessed in IPCC reports – a sign of our growing scientific understanding of the subject and its importance to the global response to climate change.
Climate change presents physical risks that expose people to conditions (eg floods, extreme heat or drought) that can present or worsen mental health risks.
Eco Anxiety In The Age Of Climate Change
Climate-related risks to mental health and well-being arise from extreme events (such as hurricanes, heatwaves or wildfires) and gradual, long-term changes (such as sea-level rise, rising temperatures, loss of sea ice and drought). .
Mental health consequences—from minimal stress and distress symptoms to clinical disorders, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and [suicide risk]—can result from short-lived or prolonged exposure to climate- or weather-related events.
According to the American Public Health Association, 54% of adults and 45% of children suffer from depression after a disaster.
Recent IPCC reports (see Chapter 7.4.2) review preventive and post-event responses to reduce mental health risks posed by climate change—including: improving access to mental health care; incorporating mental health into resilience planning; and train responders in mental health first aid.
How Science Can Protect Us From The Health Effects Of Climate Change
Consider not only acute impacts (from extreme events) but also gradual impacts (from slow onset changes such as sea level rise) on mental health in your local area. NOAA’s State Climate Summaries review current and projected future climate impacts for each state. Many of these physical risks have consequences for mental health and well-being, as described in recent IPCC reports (see Chapter 7.2.5) and the American Psychological Association’s 2021 report.
FEMA maintains a searchable directory of active and past disaster declarations. FEMA-Funded Relief Grants of Emergency Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) to States, US Provides post-disaster mental health services to territories and federally recognized tribes. Has your local area received a CCP grant in recent years and if so what were the results?
Physical risks interact with non-climatic factors (from individual personality and pre-existing illness to structural inequality and injustice) to produce higher mental health risks in certain populations including: the economically disadvantaged; communities of color; indigenous peoples; children; older adults; women; People with disabilities; People with a pre-existing mental health diagnosis; and outdoor workers.
Recent IPCC reports (see Chapter 7.4.2) review preventive and post-event responses to reduce mental health risks posed by climate change. To find out if any of these measures are at the local level, the U.S. Contact local resilience experts using the Climate Resilience Toolkit Directory.
How Does Climate Change Impact Our Patients?
The SciLine service, 500 Women Scientists or local university press offices may be able to connect you with local scientists who have expertise on climate change and mental health. Local physicians, emergency responders, and nurses may also be useful interviews. Climate change refers to a permanent disruption of weather patterns, not just an increase in temperature. Some of these climate-related changes include floods, droughts, wildfires, storms, heat waves, and sea level rise. These conditions have far-reaching environmental, social, agricultural and economic implications and are ultimately detrimental to our health and well-being. Climate change not only affects our physical health, but also our mental health and well-being. Climate change can cause and intensify stress and anxiety, adversely affecting mental health. Events such as severe storms or extreme heat can lead to depression, anger and violence. The devastating effects of climate change and resulting poor mental well-being are likely to fall disproportionately on communities already disadvantaged by historical and current social, economic and political oppression.
This infographic highlights the challenges facing humanity in terms of mental well-being and climate change as well as steps that can be taken to build mental health resilience.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center or text MHA to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor.
Climate Change Definition: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Climate Change And Health
67% of Americans agree climate is affecting population health: American Psychiatric Association, APA Public Opinion Poll – Annual Meeting 2020, September 14-16, 2020
55% of Americans Concerned About Climate Change: American Psychiatric Association, APA Public Opinion Poll – Annual Meeting 2020, September 14-16, 2020
Effects of a changing climate: Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Speiser, M., and Hill, A. N. (2021). Mental health and our changing climate: impacts, disparities, responses. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and EcoAmerica.
A study of young people and climate change: Hickman, C., Marks, E., Pihkala, P., Clayton, S., Lewandowski, R. E., Mayall, E. E., … Van Susteren, L. (2021). Climate concern among children and youth and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. The Lancet. Planetary Health, 5(12), e863-e873. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00278-3
Mental Health Impact Of Climate Change
51% of youth feel helpless: Hickman, C., Marks, E., Pihkala, P., Clayton, S., Lewandowski, R. E., Mayall, E. E., … Van Susteren, L. (2021). Climate concern among children and youth and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. The Lancet. Planetary Health, 5(12), e863-e873. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00278-3
1 in 5 people have a mental illness: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
25-50% of people exposed to climate disasters: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Depression after a natural disaster: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Building Climate Resilient Health Systems In India
Suicide after Hurricane Katrina: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Direct exposure to large-scale fires: Silveira S, Kornbluh M, Withers MC, Grennan G, Ramanathan V, Mishra J. Chronic mental health sequelae of climate change extremes: A case study of the deadliest California wildfires.
1980s drought and suicide rates in the US: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Anxiety or Mood Disorders After Hurricane Katrina: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Climate Change’s Impact On Mental Health Goes Beyond Anxiety
Climate affects mental health Graphic: US Global Change Research Program, 2016: Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment. Crimmins, A., J. Balbus, J.L. Gamble, C.B. Beard, J.E. Bell, D. Dodgen, R.J. Eisen, N. Fan, M.D. Hawkins, S.C. Haring, L. Jantarsamy, D.M. Mills, S. Saha, M.C. Sarofim, J. Tranj, and L. Ziska, ed. The US Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, 312 p.
Everyone is at risk, but not everyone is affected equally: American Public Health Association and EcoAmerica, Making the Connection: Climate Changes Mental Health, May 2016
Communities at risk of poor mental health due to climate change: Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Speiser, M., and Hill, A. N. (2021). Mental health and our changing climate: impacts, disparities, responses. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and EcoAmerica.
Black and Brown Communities: Green America, People of Color Are on the Front Lines of the Climate Crisis, 2015
Pdf] Health Impact Of Climate Change In Cities Of Middle Income Countries: The Case Of China
Personal resilience: Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Speiser, M., & Hill, A. N. (2021). Mental health and our changing climate: impacts, disparities, responses. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and EcoAmerica.
Community Resilience: Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Speiser, M., and Hill, A. N. (2021). Mental health and our changing climate: impacts, disparities, responses. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and EcoAmerica.
Mental health professionals and climate change: Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Speiser, M., & Hill, A. N. (2021). Mental health and our changing climate: impacts, disparities, responses. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and EcoAmerica.
Climate Change and Society: Clayton, S., Manning, C. M., Speiser, M., & Hill, A. N. (2021). Mental health and our changing climate: impacts, disparities, responses. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and EcoAmerica.
Chapter 8: Mental Health And Well Being
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Effects, Implications, and Guidance – American Psychological Association, EcoAmerica, and Climate for Health
Infographics Published on: July 19, 2023. Online spaces: Health equity / Behavioral health for young people A double-edged sword: Climate change poses serious risks to mental health and well-being, concludes a new policy brief launched today at Stockholm+ . 50 conference. The organization therefore urges countries to include mental health support in their response
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