Climate Change And Mental Health: Know 7 Ways Rising Temperatures Worsen Your State Of Mind!

Climate change is a global challenge that is likely to affect humanity in substantial ways, including significant impacts on mental health. The effects of climate change are known, as increasing reports highlight the extreme weather events, droughts, water shortages, wildfires and floods impacting human health and lifestyle. Indeed, extreme weather and natural disasters can be traumatic and stressful for affected individuals, leading to concerning mental health issues. Air pollution and fluctuating temperatures can increase neurological and psychiatric problems like stroke and dementia. Thus, early awareness and prevention will come in handy.

So, let’s discuss and understand the seven ways in which climate change and mental health are co-related and negatively impact one's state of mind and regular lifestyle.

Table Of Contents

1. About Climate Change And Mental Health

2. 7 Ways Climate Change Affects Mental Health

3. Dietitian’s Recommendation

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

About Climate Change And Mental Health

Climate change is an alarming issue that is expected to impact humanity in significant ways, both physically and mentally. The climate change and mental health impacts can be profound, as extreme weather events and natural disasters often result in trauma and stress for those affected. According to science, rising temperatures and climate change negatively affect depression and other mental health issues.

Rising global temperatures cause detrimental mental health effects, even affecting the hippocampus in the brain. For instance, hospitalisations for psychiatric disorders and emergency psychiatric visits tend to rise during hot weather. It is also revealed that suicide rates increase during heat waves, though the connection between heat and suicide remains debated.

However, the mechanisms linking heat to poor mental health are not fully understood. One hypothesis is that warmer temperatures may worsen mood, leading to increased irritability, stress, and exacerbation of mental health symptoms. This is why understanding how climate change affects mental health becomes extremely important for better care.

Also Read: How To Reduce Body Heat Immediately?

7 Ways Climate Change Affects Mental Health

Temperature changes may worsen mood and increase irritability, stress, and mental health symptoms. Let’s have a look at how climate change affects mental health for better prevention:

1. Trauma From Extreme Weather Events

Natural disaster situations like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are becoming more frequent plus intense due to climate change. These events can be highly traumatic for those affected, leading to immediate and long-term mental health issues like alarming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The destruction of homes, loss of loved ones, and disruption of daily life can leave deep psychological scars. The recovery process from such events is often prolonged and stressful, contributing further to mental health deterioration.

2. Increased Anxiety And Stress Levels

The looming threat of climate change and its unpredictable impacts can lead to chronic anxiety and stress. People may worry about their future, their families' safety, and their communities' stability. This constant state of worry causes anxiety disorders and stress-related illnesses.

The pervasive media coverage of climate change issues can exacerbate these feelings, creating a sense of helplessness and despair among individuals who feel powerless to effect change.

Also Read: These Healthy Habits For Mental Health Will Change You

3. Exacerbation Of Pre-existing Mental Conditions

Extreme temperatures can significantly impact those with pre-existing mental health conditions. For example, individuals with mood disorders may find their symptoms worsen during periods of extreme heat.

Moreover, certain psychiatric medications can become less effective or cause additional side effects in high temperatures, complicating treatment and management of these conditions. This causes increased hospital visits and a greater burden on healthcare systems.

4. Increase In Heat-Related Mood Changes

High temperatures are associated with changes in mood and behaviour. Heat can increase irritability, aggression, and overall mood swings, making it harder for individuals to manage stress and maintain emotional stability.

These mood changes can exacerbate existing mental health issues and create new ones as people struggle to cope with the discomfort and stress brought on by prolonged heat exposure.

5. Consistent Sleep Disruptions

Heat can severely disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. Poor sleep is closely linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. During heatwaves, the inability to cool down can prevent restful sleep, making individuals tired, irritable, and unable to cope with stress.

Chronic sleep deprivation can further exacerbate mental health problems, creating a vicious cycle of deteriorating mental well-being.

Also Read: Heat Stroke Can Trigger Brain Stroke: Is It True?

6. Acculturation Stress From Migration

Climate change often forces people to migrate from their homes to new areas within their own country or internationally. This migration can build up stress as individuals and families adjust to new environments, cultures, and social norms.

The loss of familiar support systems and the challenges of integrating into new communities can significantly impact mental state, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders.

7. Increased Substance Abuse Risk

The stress and trauma associated with climate change and extreme weather events can lead individuals to turn to substances such as alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. This increase in substance abuse can have devastating effects on mental health, contributing to a cycle of addiction and mental illness.

Substance abuse can also increase the intensity of your existing mental health issues, making recovery and treatment more complex and challenging.

Also Read: Best Heat Stroke Treatments To Stay Safe This Summer! 

Expert’s Advice 

The effects of climate change are increasingly present in everyday life, and having reliable networks and tools to turn to when you're feeling down is increasingly urgent. Raise your level of consciousness, practice meditation, or spend time alone in nature.

                                                                                               Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Climate change is a global phenomenon, and its impacts are felt unevenly worldwide. The same is true for the mental health impacts of climate change, with communities and groups of people less able to adapt to climate change and more likely to feel the brunt of its mental health consequences.

FAQs

1. How does climate change affect mental health?

Climate change affects mental health in several ways.

• Extreme weather issues like hurricanes, sudden floods, and wildfires can cause trauma and lead to conditions such as alarming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

• High temperatures can increase existing mental health conditions, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to mood changes like irritability and aggression.

• Additionally, the ongoing concerns and uncertainties about the future impacts of climate change can cause chronic anxiety and stress, affecting overall mental well-being.

2. How to mentally cope with climate change?

Coping with the mental impacts of climate change involves several strategies:

• Stay Informed but Balanced: Keep yourself informed about climate change but avoid excessive exposure to distressing news.

• Community Involvement: Join local environmental groups or initiatives. Taking action can provide a sense of purpose and community.

• Self-care: Engage in regular physical movements, maintain a healthy diet, get enough night sleep, and practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress.

• Professional Help: Seek support from mental health professionals if feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress become overwhelming.

• Connect with Nature: Spending time in nature can be therapeutic and help reduce excessive stress and anxiety.

3. What is climate change anxiety?

Climate change anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, refers to the chronic fear of environmental doom resulting from the awareness of climate change and its potential impacts. Individuals with climate change anxiety may experience symptoms such as trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and a pervasive sense of dread about environmental issues.

References

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/climate-change-and-health#summary

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446935/#:~:text=Droughts%20otherwise%20can%20lead%20to,can%20lead%20to%20acculturation%20stress.

• https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections

• https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections/affects-on-mental-health

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