Why climate change is taking a toll on our mental health

Whether you choose to believe the mass of scientific evidence about global warming or not, from a health perspective, climate change is recognized as the greatest health threat of the 21st century.  I’ll just let you sit with that for a moment.  The greatest health threat.  Also, it’s not just an environmental or ecological catastrophe that makes climate change such a major player, and a scary one at that, it is now a psychological and social problem.  It is universally acknowledged as an ‘environmental stressor’.

A study published in August this year analyzed the data from 151 million people in the US and 1.4 million people in Denmark.  The researchers discovered that there is a strong correlation between poor air quality (polluted/dirty air) and high rates of significant mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders and major depression. Note that this research suggests a link, it doesn’t prove that pollution is necessarily causing a rise in these mental health conditions. Scary data, none the less.

So, let’s look a little closer at some of the research.  When the researchers analyzed health insurance claims in the US they discovered that the strongest indicator for bipolar disorder, after ethnicity, was poor air quality.  In previous studies researchers have found a link between polluted areas and teenagers reporting psychotic episodes in UK and air pollution and psychiatric disorders in Swedish children! There has also been research published that links certain pollutants with the rise of diagnoses of autism. Now before we get carried away, the evidence isn’t very strong in these cases - primarily because there could be confounding variables, such as poverty, sleep deprivation and traffic noise.  BUT it’s something that we need to start paying attention to and warrants further research.

Putting this recent research aside, it has been evident to me in my clinical practice that the fear for our planet is a rising anxiety for so many (myself included!).  You only need to look at the recent season of Big Little Lies in which little Annabella has a panic attack and faints in the closet due to her fears that our planet is “doomed”.  And without getting into the debate surrounding government policy, there are some things that we can do to help us cope with this impact on our mental health.

How to cope?

1| Take environmentally responsible actions

By taking control of what you are doing, you will feel more in control and this will help to reduce your anxiety.  Not to mention the positive effect it could have on our environment!

 2| Adopt a problem-solving attitude

Look at what you can do or can contribute, rather than focusing on what you can’t.  Reframing it in this light will also help alleviate some of the stress or anxiety around the issue.  It’s amazing what a shift in mindset can to help you cope.

3| Try to steer clear of avoidance/denial, wishful thinking or resignation

These tactics will only add fuel to the fire, particularly in the long run.  It is unfortunately, something that we will all have to face.  And as with  all fears - the only way to work through it, is to face it!

4| Spend some time outdoors

Time spent in nature can have wonderful effects on our mental health.  So, when you venture outside, focus on the beautiful parts of our planet - savour them (and then cycle back to steps 1-2).  Even better if you can combine this with exercise!

Need more?  Read our guide, ‘The 7 Antidotes to Stress’ to help you cope with any stress that may be arising or our guide on ‘How to feel in love and stay connected’.