Climate change and mental health and well-being
How do you feel when temperatures are very high, far higher than what you are used to, and you still need to do your daily routine?
Many people feel stressed and anxious when it is too hot outside. Too much heat triggers anxiety and increases cortisol, the stress hormone and can also make people more depressed or irritable.
Extreme heat days are an inevitable consequence of a warming world, and things are not cooling down. The IPPC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change *) revealed that rapidly increasing climate change poses a rising threat to mental health and psychosocial well-being; from emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, grief, and other more serious problems.
But it is not only about heat, it’s also about the increase of events caused by global warming like storms that have been of a stronger magnitude than usual.
Furthermore, extreme heat also makes air quality worse by raising the risk of fires which produce smoke and by droughts that increase airborne dust particles.
Here are a few points to prepare yourself for extreme weather events:
Stay informed through local news and weather reports for warnings about extreme weather events; plan your day accordingly.
Check alerts about travel conditions before heading out in extreme weather events.
Check your home how it retains or loses heat and make alterations where possible (example black out curtains to reduce heat from the sun)
Have an adequate supply of nonperishable food in your pantry like canned goods
Have a week or more of water in storage containers
Eat healthy food to reduce your risk of chronic diseases
Create a coping tool box (collection of skills, techniques, items, and other suggestions that you can turn to when you start to feel anxious or distressed)
Have a Go Bag with things you may need if you have to evacuate suddenly
Participation question:
How has climate change affected your mental health?
What helps you to overcome the challenges in climate change and those life throws at you in general?
Helpful Videos:
How Climate Change Impacts Your Mental Health | APA
Helpful Resources:
The Hidden Mental Health Crisis: Psychological And Mental Health Impacts Of The Changing Climate
Why mental health is a priority for action on climate change (*)
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
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@amiablePeace77
How has climate change affected your mental health?
We had a very dry and hot summer two years ago. Not only was it stifling hot out, but tiger mosquitoes were hungry. If any breeze, you got the circular heat treatment and just roasted more efficiently. I sat in the shade (45•C and 113•F) for 20 mns at a time then went back inside our stone house where it was 22C-71F with no air conditioning and started looking for the bite cream. I was miserable until September 19. It had rained the previous day, the heat was gone, there was the broadcast of the Queen Elizabeth funeral that morning, and a brother I had not seen in years walked in. All the dread I had felt for the past three months just went away.
Yes, I worry about climatic change and hope it will be under control for when my son grows old and my grandson is an adult.
@amiablePeace77
Climate change has been on my mind for a long time. The most distressing part of it is that some people look at the increasing intensity of storms and wildfires and are not concerned. It does produce anxiety in me because I think we need to recognize that there is a problem so we can work together to find acceptable solutions.
I try not to get overly worked up about it so I try to focus on some of the positive developments.
@soulsings
I can relate to what you said soul and are at loss to understand that some people do not comprehend what this means or simply ignore. It's important to focus on something positive but even more when such things happen.
@soulsings
" The most distressing part of it is that some people look at the increasing intensity of storms and wildfires and are not concerned. "
I totally agree. They are not concerned until..... something happens to them. As long as their little world is not too disturbed, they won't.
@Fradiga unfortunately I totally agree with you NIMBY means Not In My Backyard which is used to put off projects people do not want but also leads to The Only Problems are in My Backyard.
@amiablePeace77
How has climate change affected your mental health?
I’m honestly not sure whether it has or not. But if it has, which I’m unaware of, then I would not know how.
What helps you to overcome the challenges in climate change and those life throws at you in general?
I try to adjust to the current temperature whatever it is as best as I can without sacrificing any of my comfort. But I keep other things around for easy access in case I need them.
@amiablePeace77 it's all a bit new to me, climate change is a major concern for sure. The heat can really get to me, especially cause I have to wear this huge brace that covers my back and stomach, I can't sit up without it. But my carers give me cold showers and I have fans, and sit outside early hours of the morning, so I stay pretty cool 😁 it's kinda hard to get used to, growing up we didn't wear clothes, and it got so cold in the dark rooms. So I'm glad I get to feel warmth now. But I do like the cooler months best now ❤
@Tinywhisper11 huge brace*
@amiablePeace77. It seems like the weather events like hurricanes, floods and fires are getting more frequent and more powerful. It get some anxiety during hurricane season when watching the path that each hurricane will follow. I do watch the local weather reports because they give instructions on what to do if the storm is coming to my area.
I watched some documentaries on inventions that scientists are working on to help decrease the effects of climate change. This gives me some hope for the future.
people need kindness compassion and love more than ever
@lovelyMoment32
You said that quite well lovelyMoment32! Kindness and compassion will help to endure challenges better.
@amiablePeace77 yes absolutley
@amiablePeace77
creating a tool box seems awesome! will do! :o
@daydreammemories
What is the first thing you will put into your toolbox? 😊
@amiablePeace77
Umm, i would say my fluffy octopus