Sujata Jayaprakash
Has it ever occurred to you that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue but can also significantly impact mental health?
It affects people across all ages, economic backgrounds, and regions. Though the experiences and responses may differ based on various factors, here are some key ways climate change affects mental health.
As the realities of climate change become more visible, such as rising temperatures, frequent natural disasters, and extreme weather events, many people experience heightened anxiety about the future. This “climate anxiety” or “eco-anxiety” is a growing concern, particularly among young people and those deeply aware of environmental issues. The uncertainty about what life will look like for future generations are making people fearful, leading to chronic worry and feelings of helplessness.
Experiencing or witnessing climate-related natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can also cause trauma and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Loss of homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones can deeply affect an individual’s psychological well-being. Those who lose jobs, income, or homes due to climate disasters face heightened stress levels. These economic and social insecurities can worsen mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. We have recently witnessed that in Wayanad after the landslide and losses.
In general, people feel unable to change or adapt to worsening conditions. Young people are particularly vulnerable to climate-related anxiety because they face a future that will be heavily shaped by climate change. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty, hopelessness, and frustration. Older adults may feel vulnerable due to their physical limitations in coping with extreme weather events, contributing to heightened stress and anxiety.
Social disconnections due to extreme weather events or disasters can disrupt social networks and communities, leading to feelings of isolation. People may become cut off from support systems, worsening loneliness and mental health struggles. Frequent disruptions in day-to-day life due to climate events—whether it is school closures, travel delays, or loss of resources—can cause stress and strain mental well-being.
The pervasive and global nature of climate change can lead some people to question their purpose and existence. They may wonder why they should plan for the future if the environment is deteriorating. This can result in apathy, hopelessness, or even nihilism, which can have a significant impact on mental health.
Physical health effects such as heat stress, air pollution, and other consequences of climate change can worsen physical conditions, which in turn can impact mental health. Poor health can limit a person’s ability to function normally, leading to mental health concerns.
Increased aggression and violence are also to some extent the outcome of climate change. As resources such as water and land become scarcer, conflicts may arise between groups, leading to increased tension and psychological stress. Studies have shown that extreme heat can intensify aggression and violent behavior, which could further impact community well-being and mental health.
A conclusion is that climate change affects mental health by triggering anxiety, stress, trauma, and existential dread. While no one is immune, those in economically disadvantaged communities and regions more vulnerable to climate impacts often experience heightened mental health challenges. The long-term solution involves not only addressing climate change itself but also ensuring psychological support for those impacted. This could also include people not living in those areas but have families that could be affected.
