Impact of Climate Change on Mental Diseases and Occupational Load

Mental diseases: effects, at-risk groups, and mitigation.

Some patients with mental illness are especially susceptible to heat:

Ø Suicide rates are rising with high temperatures, suggesting potential impacts from climate change on depression and other mental illnesses.

Ø Dementia is a risk factor for hospitalization and death during heat waves.

Ø Patients with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are at risk during hot weather since their medications may interfere with temperature regulation or even directly cause hyperthermia.

Climate change events, particularly natural disasters, in themselves can be the trigger for stress-related mental illnesses. Following disasters, mental health problems increase. Both among people with no history of mental illness, and those at risk, a phenomenon known as “common reactions to abnormal events” can occur: anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Other health consequences of intensely stressful exposures are also a concern (pre-term birth, low birth weight, maternal complications)

Possible distress associated with environmental degradation and displacement and the anxiety and despair that knowledge of climate change might elicit in some people can lead to the phenomenon known as “eco-anxiety”. Children are more vulnerable to climate change's mental health effects as they have stronger responses to extreme weather events resulting in conditions such as PTSD, depression, and sleep disorders. Younger participants (18–35 years) reported higher scores than older adults when reporting on the degree of climate anxiety impacting their ability to function. Females and those in younger age groups were more distressed overall about climate change than males and those over the age of 35 years. Women have more significant stress and anxiety as they are more behaviorally engaged with higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a disaster compared to men.

In terms of mitigating these effects, what individuals can do:

Ø Know your signs of stress, such as difficulty concentrating and making decisions, reduced interest in usual activities, disbelief, shock, and numbness, anger, tension, and irritability, and fear and anxiety about the future.

Ø Socialize with friends and family: connect and talk with your friends, family members, and your community.

Ø Take mental breaks: engage in activities to decompress such as exercise, listening to music, or spending time with a friend.

Ø Ask for help: seek professional help when symptoms are disrupting your day-to-day activities.

Mitigation, as regards community action: prepare an emergency plan.

Ø Develop behavioral health plans for disasters.

Ø Include clear messaging about access to mental health services and crisis counseling.