Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health.pptx

Climate change can very much affect the mental health of an individual. this presentation looks at how this works and how one can regulate themselves to withstand or deal with the pressure that this may cause.

1. Key Information Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health
June 25, 2025
This presentation explores the connection between environmental changes and psychological well-being.
Understanding these impacts is essential for developing effective support systems. Introduction Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health

2. Agenda Overview Introduction to Climate Change and Mental Health Aim and Scope of the Literature Review Intro: Climate & Mental Health Aim & Scope Review Overview Introduction to Climate Change and Mental Health Overview Climate & Mental Health Aim and Scope of the Literature Review Aim & Scope Review Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Overview

3. Introduction Introduction to Climate Change and Mental Health Background on Climate Change Climate change poses significant threats to global health, impacting physical and mental well-being. Rising temperatures, natural disasters, and unpredictable weather patterns cause devastating effects on ecosystems, economies, and human health (IPCC, 2021; WHO, 2018). Evidence of Mental Health Impacts Climate-related stressors contribute to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological issues. Vulnerable populations, including children and those with pre-existing conditions, face disproportionate impacts (Clayton et al., 2017; Berry et al., 2010; Hayes et al., 2018). Connection Between Climate Change and Mental Health The uncertainty and unpredictability of climate change profoundly impact mental health, increasing stress, anxiety, and fear about the future. Growing evidence highlights the need to understand this complex relationship comprehensively. Importance of Interdisciplinary Research Addressing climate change's mental health effects requires collaboration across public health, psychology, and environmental studies. Integrating expertise from these fields will help develop effective strategies to promote mental health resilience and support affected communities.

4. Aim and Scope of the Literature Review The review aims to explore how climate change affects mental health across populations and identify gaps in current research.
Focus on psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eco-anxiety, and climate grief.
Examines mental health impacts related to extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and heatwaves.
Considers slow-onset climate phenomena including droughts, rising sea levels, loss of livelihood, community disruption, and migration.
Highlights vulnerable populations including children, youth, indigenous communities, low-income groups, and people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Aim and Scope

5. Theoretical Framework Key Theoretical Concepts Eco-anxiety refers to the feelings of worry, fear, and anxiety related to the impacts of climate change on the environment and human societies (Berry et al., 2010). Solastalgia describes the emotional distress caused by environmental changes, such as climate-related disasters, that disrupt one’s sense of place and identity (Albrecht, 2005, as cited in Cianconi et al., 2020). Eco-Anxiety Solastalgia PTSD is a mental health condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, including climate-related disasters (Trombley et al., 2017). This model suggests environmental stressors can trigger mental health issues in individuals with pre-existing vulnerabilities, explaining how climate-related stressors exacerbate or contribute to new mental health conditions (Ingram & Luxton, 2005, as cited in Lawrence et al., 2022). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Stress-Diathesis Model Use examples of these concepts in real-world climate events to illustrate their relevance and enhance audience understanding.

6. Mental Health in Environmental Stress Context Mental health in the context of environmental stress refers to the psychological responses and coping mechanisms individuals employ when faced with environmental stressors, such as climate-related disasters (Lawrence et al., 2022).
These responses include a range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to stressors like extreme weather, droughts, and displacement.
Coping mechanisms may involve adaptive strategies such as seeking social support, engaging in problem-solving, and emotional regulation to manage distress.
Understanding these mental health responses helps in developing interventions to support individuals affected by climate change-induced environmental stressors. Theoretical Framework

7. Extreme Weather Events and Mental Health Mental Health Impacts of Extreme Weather Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and heatwaves trigger PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Disasters cause psychological trauma lasting long after the event.
Examples include Hurricane Katrina and Australian bushfires.
Children and youth are highly vulnerable to emotional disruption. Examples and Vulnerable Groups Hurricane Katrina caused widespread trauma and mental health disorders.
Australian bushfires led to increased anxiety and depression in affected populations.
Low-income and pre-existing mental health populations face greater risks.
Displacement and loss of community exacerbate mental health challenges. Impacts

8. Slow-Onset Climate Events and Psychological Effects Droughts and rising sea levels contribute to prolonged stress and anxiety due to gradual environmental degradation.
Loss of livelihood from crop failure or fishing disruption leads to economic insecurity and mental health strain.
Migration caused by slow-onset events results in displacement stress and challenges in adapting to new environments.
Community disruption from environmental changes undermines social support networks critical to mental well-being.
These long-term psychological effects often persist beyond the immediate physical impacts of climate change. Impacts

9. Vulnerable Populations and Climate Impact Children and youth are particularly susceptible to anxiety and PTSD following extreme weather events, which disrupt emotional development and can have long-lasting effects (Clayton et al., 2017). Indigenous communities experience cultural trauma and loss of identity due to environmental degradation and displacement, leading to profound intergenerational mental health impacts (Weissbecker, 2011). Low-income populations face increased burdens due to limited access to mental health resources and the economic and social impacts of climate-related disasters (USGCRP, 2018). Children and Youth Indigenous Communities Low-Income Populations Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are at heightened risk of exacerbation or relapse caused by the stress and trauma of climate-related events (Walinski et al., 2023). Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions Use local examples of vulnerable groups affected by climate change in your presentation to create stronger audience connection. Vulnerability

10. Emerging Phenomena: Eco-Anxiety and Climate Grief Emerging phenomena such as eco-anxiety and climate grief are gaining prominence in climate and mental health literature, particularly among youth.
Climate-related stressors are increasingly linked to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness (Cianconi, Betrò, and Janiri, 2020).
Young people involved in climate activism often face mental strain from the overwhelming scale of environmental degradation, balancing hope with despair (Vergunst & Berry, 2021).
Media amplifies these emotions through vivid imagery and constant exposure to doom-laden narratives, increasing perceived helplessness (Clayton et al., 2017). Emerging Phenomena

11. Media Influence on Climate-Related Mental Health Media amplifies climate-related fears through vivid imagery and constant exposure to doom-laden narratives (Clayton et al., 2017).
Portrayals of irreversible climate damage increase perceived helplessness among the public.
Uncertainty emphasized by media coverage can heighten anxiety and stress about the future.
Media narratives influence how people perceive climate risks and their psychological responses.
The interplay between media exposure and mental health highlights the need for balanced reporting to mitigate climate-related distress. Emerging Phenomena

12. Displacement, Migration, and Psychological Toll Forced migration due to climate disasters introduces new psychological burdens.
Individuals displaced by climate events often experience trauma, anxiety, and loss of identity due to relocation (Fernández-Villa et al., 2023).
Displacement disrupts social and cultural ties, compounding emotional distress.
The long-term mental health implications affect not just individuals but community resilience and societal well-being.
Climate change must be understood as a growing public mental health concern alongside environmental and economic crises (Walinski et al., 2023). Mental Health Impact

13. Challenges Research Gaps and Challenges Most existing studies on climate change and mental health are cross-sectional, providing only snapshots of distress rather than tracking how mental health evolves over time. This limits understanding of long-term psychological effects (Clayton et al., 2017). Populations in vulnerable regions facing severe climate impacts are often excluded from empirical research. This geographic imbalance restricts global understanding and reinforces knowledge gaps (Hayes et al., 2018). Current mental health approaches often overlook social and cultural factors, reducing effectiveness in diverse contexts. Inclusive research and culturally sensitive programs are vital to meet community-specific needs and support equitable mental health responses (Fernández-Villa et al., 2023). Lack of Longitudinal Studies Underrepresentation of the Global South Need for Culturally Contextualized Interventions Use local case studies or examples from the Global South to highlight the importance of culturally contextualized mental health interventions.

14. Conclusion and Call to Action Main findings highlight significant mental health impacts from climate change, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression across vulnerable populations.
The urgency of integrating mental health considerations into climate change policy is critical to address these emerging public health challenges.
There is a strong call for more interdisciplinary research combining public health, psychology, and environmental studies to develop holistic interventions.
Inclusive approaches are necessary to ensure culturally relevant and equitable mental health support globally.
Long-term research efforts are essential to understand evolving mental health outcomes and improve resilience strategies. Conclusion