Climate change has a significant impact on mental health and well-being. We never recognize that the stress and anguish we experience in our daily lives is due to the effects of climate change.
Does this imply that we must improve the environment in order to be emotionally healthy and peaceful? Yes, maybe! We’re going to put a lot of effort into this.
Climate Change and Mental Health: Is There a Link?
The average temperature of the Earth is steadily increasing. In comparison to the previous century, the temperature has increased by about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Seasonal changes and irregularities, an increase in the number of flooding, wildfires, heat waves, hurricanes, droughts, and increasing sea levels, among other indicators, must be taken seriously.
These environmental conditions now have a social, agricultural, and economic impact on us. It is having a negative impact on our physical and mental health. As a result, we’re in danger. The more we grasp this, the more obliged we shall be to act.
“I believe that if you’re going to talk about health, you have to talk about mental health,” says the author. – Dodgem, Daniel (Ph.D., A clinical psychologist at the U.S)
Figures & Facts
• In the United States, over 40 million adults suffer from mental illness.
• Natural disaster victims are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, suicide, PTSD, and other mental health issues.
• People exposed to extreme weather disasters are likely to experience negative mental health effects in 25-50 percent of cases.
• After a natural disaster, around 54% of adults and 45% of children experience depression; after a record drought in the 1980s, the suicide rate nearly doubled. In the Upper Midwest, over 900 farmers committed suicide.
Climate Change Exposure through Indirect Means and Its Impact on Mental Health
As previously stated, we’ve linked climate change and its effects on mental health after a natural disaster. We do not, however, need to experience natural disasters to understand the effects of climate change on mental health and wellbeing.
When we hear the headlines about natural disasters, we’re always left with a question about where the world is headed. Many of our friends and family members who live in various parts of the world have mentioned the severe weather conditions in their region. Anxiety, depression, secondary trauma, and other psychiatric issues result as a result of this.
The main phrase (climate change) alludes to a mental cause. This fear is recognized as a genuine and reasonable reaction to an external crisis in the latter (mental wellness).
Many people have emotional reactions to threats posed by climate change. According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication’s report “Climate Change in the American Mind,” issued in November 2019, 66 percent of those polled acknowledged that climate change is a source of concern and worry.
Not only that, but phobias, sleep disorders, attachment disorders, and other mental health issues also have an impact.
How can mental health be protected in the face of climate change?
1. Don’t dismiss your feelings. It’s something to talk about.
The first step you can take is to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Speak up, regardless of whether you’re nervous or afraid.
It’s natural to share your feelings with loved ones and pour your heart out about climate change. After all, it isn’t just you who is affected by this issue; the entire world is. If you feel like seeing a psychiatrist, go ahead and do so.
When talking about climate change, it can feel strange or inconvenient at times, but in the end, you know what is breaking someone’s heart. You can start a discussion if you come across something like, “Have you heard about the latest climate change news?” What are your thoughts on it?” or “How do you feel about the current state of climate change?”
2. Strengthen your ties with your neighbors.
All you have to do is reach out to your neighbors, join community associations, network with local officials, and take a few steps to increase your community bond.
It’s not only about friends and family; communicating over geography and its effects on human trauma and anxiety will help you communicate with strangers. Remember that we share a common bond with Mother Nature, and that the environment is a gift that we must protect. As a result, never be afraid to speak up about this subject. Who knows if this brief exchange will prove to be a watershed moment in someone’s life?
The easiest method is to use social media and form community groups there. Discuss eco-grief, eco-anxiety, climate-anxiety, and other environmental affairs. You will gain the advantage of gaining new experiences.
Worrying is, in a nutshell, widespread. Let us take a step forward and consider how we can make the world a better place. It will make a positive difference in our lives and may give climate change the break it needs right now.
3. Get down to business
We all have emergency procedures in place for our families and businesses. What about the world in which we live? Do we have an emergency plan in place that we can put into action in the event of a crisis? Almost certainly not!
All we can do now is slow down climate change by making small lifestyle changes. We must begin boycotting products that damage the environment while still putting our lives in risk. This may include the use of toxic substances that destroy marine animals, as well as the use of plastic.
Let us increase our levels of awareness, meditate, and spend some quality time with nature. This would be no different than taking care of ourselves by rekindling our relationship with nature.
Read more: 9 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Final Thoughts
By the time you get here, you’ve realized how critical it is to address climate change. We’ve also included some suggestions for how to look after your mental health during these moments. We hope you found some helpful hints.Are you experiencing anguish as a result of climate change? Are you looking for a practical solution? We recommend that you speak with your doctor about whether Modalert or Waklert would work for you. They’re highly effective anti-anxiety and wakefulness-promoting medications to keep your mental health on track. Visit allDayawake.com for more information.
