The Link Between Climate Change and Mental Health

Climate change has far-reaching adverse effects not only on nature but also on human mental health. Various studies show that extreme weather and catastrophes brought about by unprecedented shifts in climate can affect people’s mental state and behavior. 

Climate change, or the long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns driven by natural and man-made activities, has been known to cause depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of psychological distress.

• Individuals may feel depressed and hopeless as climate change accelerates, making natural disasters and weather disturbances more common, intense, and widespread.
• Anxiety could be a response to climate change as people fear for their future and their ability to cope with the effects of continuous environmental degradation.
• People who experienced or witnessed traumatic events may learn to anticipate them even if they are no longer ongoing. This is known as PTSD, which can be severely debilitating.

Over 3.6 billion people live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Certain communities are more vulnerable. Children, women, the elderly, people who already have mental illnesses, and those who share close ties with the land are prime examples.

The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) explores climate change’s various effects and how they influence our mental health and behavior.

Hot Temperatures, Hot Heads?

Research suggests a link between rising temperatures and violent behavior. For example, aggression and criminal acts are more prevalent during the summer months. 

Meanwhile, an Australian study shows that when heat waves happen, admissions for mental disorders also rise. 

In addition, people report having mood disorders, dementia, anxiety, PTSD, anxiety-related disorders like phobia, panic attacks, and social anxiety during extreme heat.  Another study in Thailand highlights the relationship between extreme heat, workplace distress, and psychological exhaustion. It demonstrates that burning temperatures could exacerbate burnout among workers.  

Extreme Cold and Depression

On the other extreme, severe cold forces the population to stay home, leading to social isolation. This can trigger depression, especially among older adults and those with a history of depression. 

If an extreme winter season leads to closed offices and lost wages, people have to deal with a loss of income which could trigger fear, anxiety, and depression.

Disasters, Displacement, and Disorder

The displacement of communities caused by climate-related calamities such as hurricanes, wildfires, and flash floods quickly causes situations to escalate. Calamity combined with displacement leads to mental health disorders, especially among the youth. 

Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and drought affect mental health and increase levels of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and suicide ideation. This happens to people with and without a history of mental health issues. Exposure to life-threatening calamities, loss of loved ones, loss of homes, and livelihood could promote the development of acute and transient psychosis, bipolar disorder relapse, acute stress reaction, and adjustment disorder. 

Social Inequality and Other Risk Factors

While everyone is at risk of climate change-related calamities, not all individuals are affected in the same way. Disadvantaged groups, for instance, bear the worst effects.

These include the economically disadvantaged, those with existing mental health conditions, and those who are dependent on or highly associated with land such as farmers and tribal communities. 

During extreme weather conditions, poor families might forego heating or air conditioning so they can afford food. This could lead to physical and mental issues which only compounds the problem. The thought of not having a financial source or food to eat after a calamity could lead to anxiety, depression, or even suicide. 

Patterns of suicide and suicide attempts in developed and developing countries like Australia and India during prolonged droughts have also been noted. Farmers feel the weight of lengthy droughts because of their economic effects such as the inability to sustain their families’ needs, the risk of falling into debt, food insecurity, malnutrition, illnesses, and being forced to migrate. 

Developing countries are less capable of preparing and responding to climate change due to poor infrastructure, leading to higher risk among their affected communities. 

IMANA’s Response To Climate Change-Related Mental Health Issues

IMANA understands the importance of providing emergency relief during disasters and thus strives to provide psychological care for victims.

We provide medical aid, food, water, and sanitation kits during disasters while extending assistance by assessing victims’ wellness and identifying potential issues. 

A Holistic Approach

Through its network of healthcare professionals, donors, volunteers, and partners, IMANA encourages a holistic approach that provides physical, psychological, and spiritual support.

Spreading Awareness 

Advocating for victims’ plights and adding our voices to the call for greenhouse gas control is a twofold way to provide long-term solutions to this emerging public health concern. 

Through our healthcare professionals, webinars, programs, public outreach, and directory, we help raise awareness about the far-reaching effects of climate change on the lives of everyone, especially vulnerable groups. We make mental healthcare more accessible to victims and their families so they can achieve mental wellness and overall well-being. 

Spiritual Strengthening

IMANA supports the American-Muslim community but we recognize that everyone—regardless of religion, race, gender, or ethnicity—needs help when disasters strike. 

Victims of climate change-related disasters need to connect with their source of faith and wherever it is they find solace and comfort. We therefore encourage them to engage in activities that bring them peace and calm whether it means conversing with others, journaling, art, music, or religious practices. 

Medical Approach

We help alleviate stress by providing care packages that address their physical needs such as food, water, sanitation services, and medical care. 

Pooling of Resources

We encourage everyone to join us as we extend emergency and long-term aid to those suffering from mental health issues due to the impact of climate change calamities. Displaced communities and vulnerable groups are at risk when climate change wreaks havoc on the environment, requiring immediate and long-term solutions.

IMANA Cares

Climate change poses threats to humankind, mainly in terms of health, safety, and economy. We can do our part in mitigating its effects by working together, amplifying the importance of saving the planet and saving communities in the process. 

Whether by volunteering or donating, we invite you to help the victims of natural disasters and climate change.