PrintFor this week's lesson, let's focus specifically on the effects climate change impacts can have on one's mental health. This is separate from thinking about the mental health implications associated with people worrying about climate change in general (which is a rapidly growing issue). We'll probably have a chance to tackle that in Unit 3: Solutions.
This area seems a bit understudied compared to the more obvious impacts and isn't discussed as much publicly. Flooding, droughts, Lyme Disease, asthma - we've talked about a lot of potential issues connected to climate change that might seem more connected. But, the mental health implications of living through many of these impacts is of serious consequence and worth our time to better understand.
Mental health is inextricably linked to physical and community health (see those bidirectional arrows between the physical, mental, and community symbols - it's all connected!).
Climate impacts more than just the weather:
Medical and Physical Health
Changes in fitness and activity level
Heat-related illness
Allergies
Increased exposure to waterborne and vector-borne illness.
Mental Health
Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, sense of loss
Strains on social relationships
Substance abuse
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Community Health
Increase interpersonal aggression
Increased violence and crime
Increased social instability
Decreased community cohesion