Climate anxiety driven by the climate crisis is a problem that is expected to grow unless immediate steps are taken. The result can be severe and debilitating psychological effects, with symptoms such as persistent anxiety, tension, difficulty sleeping and a feeling of impending doom.
Anxiety about climate change can affect the mental health of both young people and older people (Image source: Pexels)
New Delhi: The most obvious impact of climate change on humans is the damage to physical health. However, the invisible consequences of heatwaves, changing rainfall patterns, extreme weather events and climate-related displacement on mental health are far more devastating, and are expected to continue to impact current and future generations.
Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director of SOS International, said: “Climate change anxiety is usually defined as fear of an unpredictable future due to climate events coupled with a feeling of helplessness in the face of this global crisis and a feeling of guilt for either making the problem worse or not making it worse enough.” . Address it.”
Climate change concern
He explained that this is becoming more acute through escalating media reports on climate-related events and disasters, and the almost constant release of scientific studies that serve to increase this despair even further. The result can be severe and debilitating psychological effects, with symptoms such as persistent anxiety, tension, difficulty sleeping and a feeling of impending doom.
Climate change anxiety can affect adults as well as younger individuals. Adults may experience feelings of loss, sadness, longing for a past world, or helplessness about an unwanted future for their children. It is known to have negative effects on productivity, concentration, and decision-making ability. This can be particularly worrying for employers, as employees may have difficulty concentrating and performing, reducing organizational flexibility.
Could it lead to chronic mental health problems?
Manifestations of climate change anxiety, such as fear and distress, can persist and harm a person's health and well-being over a long period of time. With the growing realization that any action to decisively address climate change is likely to take years before it produces results, signs and symptoms could already be developing.
Prolonged stress that continues to develop can eventually become generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Chronic depression can also occur. Individuals whose lives are affected by extreme weather events are known to develop what is referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“The first step is to acknowledge and accept that global events and crises affect every one of us. Climate change is no different. This can help affected individuals feel less isolated and, as a collective experience, can feel more supported in dealing with negative emotions. Trusting systems Support and work with them such as family and friends or even seeking professional help is crucial. “Psychotherapy and counseling can provide a safe space to explore these feelings and deal with them effectively,” Dr. Vora said.
Climate anxiety driven by the climate crisis is a problem that is expected to grow unless immediate steps are taken. The psychological impact on individuals and future generations cannot be ignored. At the individual, family, community, national and global levels, there must be concerted action to help those affected achieve a sense of direction and inspire constructive action that alleviates feelings of helplessness.
