Stressed out about climate change? 4 ways to tackle both the feelings and the issues
Lisa Doggett
Climate change has caused more intense wildfires, heat waves, floods and hurricanes, lengthened allergy seasons and inflicted other forms of tangible harm. But an oft-overlooked consequence — one that warrants urgent attention and creative problem-solving — is worsening mental health.
The COVID pandemic has been a time of enormous suffering. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of depression and anxiety increased 25% globally during the first year of the pandemic. We are bruised and vulnerable, struggling to right ourselves after a tumultuous two and a half years.
But the daily reminders of global warming, including extreme heat, water rationing and parched landscapes, are threatening to worsen the situation, and we don't have medications or vaccines to save us.
Climate change has direct effects on mood
Heat itself is associated with mental illness. Mood disorders, anxiety and aggressive behavior have been linked to higher temperatures. A 2019 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that violent crime in Los Angeles increased by 5.7% on days when temperatures rose above 85 F compared to cooler days.
Authors of a 2018 study in the journal Nature predicted warmer temperatures could lead to as many as 40,000 additional suicides in the U.S. and Mexico by 2050.
"There is a direct link, and mental health and psychosocial well-being will decline as climate change pressures increase," said Kerry Wangen, a psychiatrist in private practice in Southern California.
People who face climate-related natural disasters frequently struggle with mental health problems. Hurricanes and wildfires lead to deaths and property destruction in the short-term. But they also contribute to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts.
Droughts can disrupt food and water supplies and lead to loss of livelihood, which can push families and whole communities into poverty, a risk factor for mental illness. According to a Washington Post analysis, more than 40% of Americans live in a county that experienced an extreme weather event in 2021.
Climate change also leads to the displacement of populations, as parts of the globe become uninhabitable due to sea-level rise, drought and other weather events. The result is more conflict and stress, both of which increase the odds of mental health problems.