Preserving our Mental Health in the fight for planetary health The facilitator, Toronto-based Kady Cowan opened the conversation by prompting others to acknowledge any climate change-related concerns weighing on their minds. Worrying her, Cowan said in her soothing voice, were the unprecedented “zombie fires” burning in British Columbia that feed on peat and woody tree roots over the winter and re-emerge in the spring. Climate peer-support groups, like Cowan’s, are increasingly recognized as one way to help build mental health resilience in a world that can sometimes appear indifferent to the effects of climate change. As more Canadians grapple with catastrophic impacts of climate-fuelled extreme weather, the question of how a person can keep up the fight for planetary health while tending to their mental health has extended beyond the environmental circles. Mental health effects from climate change have been dubbed a pressing, but still largely understated, public health challenge in Canada. A report prepared for the Public Health Agency of Canada | Agence de la santé publique du Canada of Canada last year, based on interviews with more than 20 key public health experts, said the impacts had been underestimated and Canada’s health-care system was “wholly unprepared and understaffed to address this growing issue.” Climate anxiety is a piece of that larger public health challenge. It often refers to the heightened distress a person feels about the impending threat of climate change. Those fears may be rooted in a direct experience with extreme weather or exposure to climate change messages. “There is a looming mental health crisis coming with this anxiety about the climate crisis,” said Nate Charach, a Toronto psychiatrist who hosts climate-focused group psychotherapy sessions. Researchers out of Lakehead University conducted a survey of people between ages of 16 and 25 across Canada and found four in 10 reported that their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily functioning. It’s left some parents grappling with how to support their children through heightened climate emotions. Severn Cullis-Suzuki the daughter of environmentalist David Suzuki and now executive director at the Suzuki Foundation, said her preteen son experienced a “very dark” period of depression. Overcome by stories about humanity’s ecological destruction, he did not want to be human anymore, longing to be a different species, she said. “I think (communities) have, for the most part, been able to move through a lot of the climate anxiety and start to think about how to build resilience,” said Wale, who works with the Canadian Climate Institute. “We want to be involved in building resilience for the next generation.” https://lnkd.in/dcDQ22EZ #mentalhealth #planethealth #climateanxiety #anxiety #depression
Mind Spa Mental Health Centre’s Post
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Climate change is one of many areas where the multidirectional relationship with mental is being discussed with more nuance. This article discusses where the field of climate mental health is in this moment and the potential for multidisciplinary collaboration to promote progress in multiple areas. Mental health is the connective tissue among many issues, often operating simultaneously as a cause, effect and mechanism of change. There is often more focus on how a critical issue like climate impacts mental health, but less on how mental health impacts other outcomes. Glad to see the more robust discussion of these factors in relation to climate. #climatementalhealth #policy #globalmentalhealth
Climate mental health — making connections - Nature Mental Health
nature.com
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According to research from the Mental Health Foundation, the worsening climate situation has led to a large number of people experiencing ‘#eco-anxiety’ – a chronic fear of environmental doom. As the #UKgovernment have recently made the decision to hit the brakes on certain #netzerotargets, Michael Samuel MBE, chair of the board of trustees for Anna Freud – the world-leading #mentalhealth charity for children and families, claims this World Mental health Day should be taken as an opportunity to address the growing climate issues that are severely impacting individuals wellbeing. Today, the 10th October, marks World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is ‘mental health is a universal #humanright.’ While it’s brilliant that we recognise mental health as an unequivocal right for everyone, it’s worth noting that it was only last year that the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring a healthy environment and a stable climate one too. With this in mind, let’s remember that as we celebrate mental health being universal, having a liveable, breathable planet is not just a necessity for our #environmental #wellbeing but also our overall mental health. Environmental damage can provoke an ungodly amount of negative feelings including grief, fear, and stress and, in the contemporary context of rising temperatures, #extremeweather events and mass #deforestation, #climateanxiety is on the rise. As Chair of Anna Freud, a children’s mental health charity, I hear a lot about the impacts that the pessimistic emotions triggered by global warming are having on young people. As many as 60% of young people feel very or extremely worried about #climatechange and 45% say these feelings negatively affect their daily lives. This anxiety often stems from feelings of hopelessness in the face of the climate crisis which is particularly concerning given that things are only set to get worse as we stray further from our #climatetargets. So, what can we do about it? First and foremost, we need to help young people have a positive and enduring relationship with their #naturalenvironment. The 2021 Children’s People and Nature Survey for #England found that the vast majority of children agreed that being in nature made them very happy, but it also showed that they spend less time outdoors as they get older. Being in nature offers a huge array of benefits for health and well-being, and this has been demonstrated through programmes like Green Social Prescribing (#GSP). This scheme enables people to improve their mental health by engaging in nature-based activities and is an approach championed by experts across the globe.
Climate change is destroying young people's mental health - SocialCareToday
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Mental health is a lifelong journey and Everyone's path to good mental health is unique, so find the strategies that work best for you and prioritize self-care. Climate change poses a multifaceted challenge to human well-being, including its profound impacts on mental health. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can lead to acute trauma, while more gradual changes, such as rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns, can induce chronic stress. Climate-induced displacement, conflict over dwindling resources, and forced migration can strain social relationships and community cohesion, leading to isolation and feelings of alienation. The interconnectedness of these issues necessitates a holistic approach that recognizes the psychological dimensions of climate change and integrates mental health considerations into climate response efforts. As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, fostering resilience, building supportive communities, and promoting climate action can serve as powerful tools in mitigating the mental health toll and building a more sustainable, just, and mentally healthy future for all. P.S. Remember that prioritizing your mental health is not selfish; it's an essential aspect of overall well-being. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and distancing yourself from negative ones can contribute significantly to your mental and emotional health. Build a support network of friends and loved ones who understand your mental health needs and provide emotional support. Lean on this network during challenging times. https://lnkd.in/g8YJgpcN https://lnkd.in/gDShQg7T UNDP World Health Organization NITI Aayog Official #october #mentalhealth #climatecrisis
Why mental health is a priority for action on climate change
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Award-winning sustainability professional helping organizations reach net-zero emissions by becoming carbon neutral, and create programs to align with their SDG Goals. USAID I ESG | Consultant I Speaker | Author
Climate Change has a negative effect on peoples' mental health #ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #SDGs #SDGs2030 #ESG #Sustainability
The Invisible Toll: Exploring the Nexus Between Climate Change and Mental Health As the planet warms at an unprecedented rate, the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt across the globe. Beyond the visible manifestations of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions, there lies a quieter but no less profound consequence: the toll on mental health. From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, the effects of climate change on mental well-being are multifaceted and pervasive. Understanding this complex interplay is essential for addressing the holistic challenges posed by a changing climate. #MentalHealth #ClimateCrisis #ClimateChange #SDGs #ExtremeHeat #Sustainability #SDGs2030 #ESG #CorporateSocialResponsibility https://lnkd.in/et3EWS4j
The Invisible Toll: Exploring the Nexus Between Climate Change and Mental Health
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Attended Savitribai Phule Pune University "Skilled Computer Engineer Driving Innovation and Efficiency in Technology" I am a Computer Enginner with innovative mind...
Climate Change and Mental Health: Understanding the Psychological Impacts of Environmental Crisis.. "We are on the edge of a climate-driven mental health crisis, as the fear and uncertainty of our future weigh heavily on people's minds." Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a profound social and psychological one. As global temperatures rise, ice caps melt, and extreme weather events become more frequent, the psychological impacts of these changes are becoming increasingly evident. This article delves into how climate change affects mental health and what can be done to address these challenges. The psychological impacts of climate change are profound and far-reaching. As the environmental crisis continues to unfold, it is imperative to recognize and address its mental health dimensions. By combining public awareness, mental health services, community resilience, policy interventions, and personal coping strategies, we can support those affected and build a more resilient society. Understanding and addressing these psychological impacts is not just about coping with climate change, but about fostering a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of climate change due to their developmental stage. Chronic stress and anxiety during formative years can have long-lasting effects on mental health and development.Increasing the availability of mental health services, particularly in areas most affected by climate change, is essential. This includes training for mental health professionals to recognize and treat climate-related stress and anxiety.Those already dealing with mental health issues are at a higher risk of worsening symptoms due to the added stress and trauma of climate-related events. Climate change is a global challenge with far-reaching impacts on our environment, economy, and societies. While much attention is given to the physical and economic consequences of climate change, the psychological impacts are equally significant yet often overlooked.The connection between climate change and mental health, highlighting how environmental crises affect our psychological well-being. Building psychological resilience is crucial in mitigating the mental health impacts of climate change. This involves strengthening community support systems, promoting mental health awareness, and providing resources for coping strategies. The psychological impacts of climate change are profound and multifaceted, affecting individuals and communities worldwide. Recognizing and addressing these mental health challenges is crucial in our collective response to the environmental crisis. The mental health effects of climate change include acute and long-term trauma, stress, and anxiety, particularly among those who are directly impacted....
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Chief Executive Officer @ Psychology for a Safe Climate | Mental Health Promotion | Climate Psychology
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 A whopping 18, 800 young Australians aged 15-19 completed the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey! How impressive is that!? You can read about the findings as they relate to climate change in the papers listed below. 𝙈𝙮 𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨: 💡 Most young Australians were at least slightly concerned about climate change (67%), with one in four (26%) reporting they were very or extremely concerned about climate change. This is huge. Young people are switched on, witnessing and experiencing the climate crisis right now. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴? 💡There is an association between level of concern and psychological distress, especially for humans who identify as women and gender diverse, indigenous or live in regional/remote areas. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴? It's crucial we prioritise developing young people's emotional awareness, language for their experiences and feelings, and normalise the use of ''inner'' skills for living in and with climate change. 📣 If you'd like to bring this subject to your workplace, conference, school, I'm available to share my insights! I can speak to the intersections between climate change and mental health - including growing our inner capacities meet this crisis collectively, with compassion and resilience at the heart of empowered responding. 🌏 See the scientific paper: https://lnkd.in/gRj7aCyf 🌏 Read the Orygen report: https://lnkd.in/gHqGFfjg
Climate change concerns impact on young Australians' psychological distress and outlook for the future.
psyarxiv.com
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Founder of Repurpose Your Life | Life & Mindset Coach | Business Mentor | NASB Leadership Sustainability & Environmental Council | Professional Speaker | Health and Wellness Practitioner
🌿 Connecting Mental Health and Climate Change: A Call to Action 🌍 In the midst of my continuous exploration of mental health and sustainable solutions, a crucial link between mental health and climate change caught my attention. I stumbled upon an eye-opening article that highlighted a significant gap attached down below: “The impacts of climate change are increasingly part of our daily lives, and there is very little dedicated mental health support available for people and communities dealing with climate-related hazards and long-term risk,” emphasized Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at WHO. This revelation struck a chord. Mental health, intertwined with physical well-being, should undoubtedly be a top priority. Forbes echoed this sentiment, reporting that millions of Americans experience symptoms of a mental health condition each year, with the number of those seeking care on a steady rise. As a former shopaholic with $100k Debt, I too can empathize with mental health challenges. Sadly, fashion is socially sanctioned and celebrity-fueled, glamorizing massive hauls of fast fashion clothes. Shopaholism, listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a compulsive behavioral disorder, often intertwines with anxiety from climate change, leading to coping mechanisms like compulsive shopping. This, in turn, fuels both individual struggles, 14 million women to be exact and broader climate change issues. In my role as a life and mindset coach, professional speaker, educator, and CEO of Repurpose Your Life, I am committed to constant education and learning. This allows me to stay updated with diverse solutions. As I delve deeper into mental health tools and methods, it becomes clearer that addressing mental health is not just an individual concern; it's a societal imperative. The impact of climate change is not merely environmental; it extends to the very fabric of our mental well-being. #mentalhealthawareness #climatechangeimpact #wellbeingjourney #sustainableliving
Why mental health is a priority for action on climate change
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Climate change poses a particular threat to children and youth, starting before birth and potentially derailing the normal development of physiological systems, cognitive abilities and emotional skills #climatechange #health https://lnkd.in/dXib7VZE
Impacts of climate change threaten children’s mental health starting before birth
apa.org
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Embrace Happiness this International Day of Happiness! 🌟 As we celebrate the International Day of Happiness on March 20th, let's reflect on the vital link between climate and mental health. Extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, can profoundly impact our mental well-being. The increased frequency and severity of such events have led to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma in affected communities. We would like to underscores the importance of prioritizing mental well-being as a cornerstone of happiness. It's essential to recognize the challenges posed by climate change and their implications for mental health. By acknowledging these issues, we can work towards solutions that promote resilience and support mental wellness. The World Happiness Report 2024 is published to coincide with the UN's International Day of Happiness. Explore more about this day and its significance on the official webpage: United Nations - International Day of Happiness: https://lnkd.in/drVQA_K Let's use this International Day of Happiness to advocate for climate action and prioritize mental health initiatives. Together, we can build a more sustainable and happier future for all. #InternationalDayOfHappiness #MentalHealthAwareness #ClimateAction #Resilience #WellBeing #PositiveChange
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Researchers from Imperial College London have carried out a study to understand the psycho-social impacts of climate crisis on young people in the UK. 🌎 The study’s findings suggest that existing mental health issues may make a person more vulnerable to climate distress, or climate distress may exacerbate mental health conditions. ⬇️ https://imprl.biz/3EDmQrb #ClimateChange #MentalHealth #ClimateCrisis
Study shows climate distress related to anxiety and action in young people | Imperial News | Imperial College London
imperial.ac.uk
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