CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR MENTAL HEALTH

By: Koranteng Keziah 

Our mental health as human beings happens to be the least thought about health of our bodies. People are more concerned about the physical health than the mental health because it is the most obvious. Meanwhile, a change in our mental health deteriorates and affects our physical health and well being and in as much as climate change affects our physical well- being, it has more dire effects on our mental state.

Today, we embark on an important journey to examine the intricate interplay between the evolving climate and our mental well-being. With the planet’s temperature on the rise and the environment undergoing unprecedented shifts, the influence of these changes on our psychological health is becoming increasingly evident. 

In this discussion, we’ll explore the various ways in which climate change is affecting our emotional and mental states, from the rise of eco-anxiety to the trauma triggered by natural disasters. By gaining insights into these connections, we can work towards a more comprehensive approach to address the challenges presented by climate change on our mental health.

Climate change causes eco-anxiety, which is a chronic fear or worry about environmental issues and their consequences. The knowledge of climate-related challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness.

Climate change causes displacement and vulnerability. Climate-induced migration and displacement can lead to social disruptions and increased vulnerability, affecting the mental health of affected populations.

Climate change also causes difficulty in the socialization process, leading to depression: Climate change causes human beings to move from their original homes to places that have a more convenient climate condition for them. As they move, they move without their friends and as a result need to re-socialize to get friends in their new neighborhood. People tend to fail at making new friends and this leads to loneliness. Lonely people tend to overthink a lot and negative thoughts also keep rushing in and out of their heads. It’s a battle within the head and this leads to that person being depressed.

Climate change leads to grief and loss. As individuals witness the loss of ecosystems and species, it can evoke feelings of grief, sadness, and helplessness.

To tackle the mental health challenges caused by climate change, individuals must learn to build psychological resilience. Psychological resilience means having the ability to bounce back and stay strong even when faced with tough or challenging situations in life. It’s like being emotionally strong and able to cope well with difficulties.

Talking about how to combat these mental health problems associated with climate change, Mr. Christian Yeboah, a researcher in climate change and it's related issues said psychological resilience is crucial in the face of climate change. This involves equipping individuals and communities with coping mechanisms to adapt to changing conditions and mitigate the mental health challenges.

In essence, climate change is not solely an environmental crisis; it also presents a challenge to mental health. Recognizing and addressing this intersection is fundamental to creating a more sustainable and mentally resilient future for all.

 Watch the video below to understand the impact of climate change on mental health👇👇👇👇 

ABOUT THE WRITER 

Koranteng Keziah is a young lady who hails from Saltpond in the Central region of Ghana. She is a level 300 student pursuing a degree in Public Relations at the University of Media, Arts and Communication - Institute of Journalism. She acts as a reporter and writer for the Caring Climate Chronicles blog.

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