Climate change poses serious risks to mental health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the need to include mental health support in response to the climate crisis. Here are some key points:
- Impact on Mental Health: Climate change affects mental health through various mechanisms, including emotional distress, anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behavior. Certain groups are disproportionately affected due to factors like socioeconomic status, gender, and age. Social determinants impacted by climate change contribute to global mental health burdens.
- Global Efforts: Only a few countries have effectively integrated mental health and psychosocial support into their national health and climate change plans. WHO recommends five approaches for governments to address mental health impacts related to climate change:
- Integrate climate considerations with mental health programs.
- Combine mental health support with climate action.
- Build upon global commitments.
- Develop community-based approaches to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Close the funding gap for mental health and psychosocial support.
- Growing Concerns: Mental health conditions already affect nearly 1 billion people globally, yet access to services remains limited, especially in low and middle-income countries. The impacts of climate change exacerbate this challenging situation.
- Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases: Rising greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution and higher temperatures. These factors significantly increase the risk of neurological and psychiatric problems, including strokes and dementia.
In summary, addressing mental health in the context of climate change is crucial. Governments and organizations must prioritize mental health support alongside climate action to protect vulnerable populations.
