The connection between climate and physical health is evident. We know, for example, that asthma is exacerbated by exposure to smoke from forest fires that most commonly occurs conditions of duration, dry, dry and summary. The heat blow is also a well -known result of exposure to heat and dehydration.
Now, an equally urgent narrative is being developed: the deep influence of climate change in mental health.
The psychological impacts of climate -related factors are as undeniable as physical effects. For example, some studies suggest that the increase in environmental temperatures is associated with an increase in suicide events and hospital visits for mental disorders, as well as the worsening of the results of the mental health of the community. Another study reveals an association between higher temperatures and risks of violent and non -violent crimes.
This year he began with the news that the world experienced the most popular registered January. Therefore, as the year develops, the relationship between health and weather is positioned to take the center of the stage. Health professionals must take the opportunity to expand their “whole” health concept by evaluating the role of climate not only in physical health, but also in mental health.
The impact of climate on mental health
Nature plays a powerful role in health and well -being. For example, we understand the soothing effect that many people experience when they feel under a shaded tree and listen to a babbling stream. There is a good reason why full attention applications try to imitate nature’s sounds to support well -being. Studies offer evidence that active commitment to everyday natural environments can improve people’s mental health results.
However, the opposite is also true when climatic changes interrupt our lives and livelihoods.
Many of those who survive the loss, devastation and displacement of an extreme climate event, such as a flood, tornado, drought or anxiety for forest experience, depression, post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSP) and even suicidal. Similar mental illnesses are often even when people are indirectly exposed to extreme climatic events.
More than two thirds of the US adults. They report feeling some concerns about climate change and its effects. In the same way, there is evidence that concerns about the environment weigh more and more young people with what has been called “eco-anxiety”. In a study of young people from 16 to 25 years in 10 countries, more than 45% said that feelings on climate change negatively impacted their daily life and operation.
All this anxiety and stress, in turn, can contribute to the results of the health of advervian behavior. The ability to deal with change can be more difficult for people who already live with mental illnesses, it is also more likely to experience poverty and substance use disorders. In addition, researchers have found a correlation between the highest and most visits to the hospital related to alcohol and substances. According to an analysis, there are at least five different ways in which climate change could exacerbate the behaviors of use of harmful substances.
New training to address growing needs
Fortunately, there are steps that doctors can take to improve the use of evidence based on the context of a changing climate. A recent article by Jama Insights indicates that doctors can:
- Educate how the weather can affect the health and well -being of patients through continuing education opportunities, professional associations and online resources.
- Incorporate social and environmental history into their patient practices.
- Promote the use of environmental information (EC, meteorological data) together with the patient’s demography to identify patients with the highest risk of weather -related diseases.
While there is still a lot of work to do to collect data and implement evidence -based approaches to manage climate change health risks, the growing awareness of the links between climate and health is leading to new medical training programs.
Many medical schools have begun to incorporate education on climate health in clinical curricula. Between the 2019 and 2022 academic years, the percentage of medicine schools that require a curriculum on climate change and health increased from 27% to 65%.
Primary care suppliers (PCP), especially, must be equipped to understand how the weather could affect their approach to patient care.
For example, suppose a patient tells his PCP: “I really feel irritable” his annual exam. Such a statement could represent a new anxiety symptom that guarantees psychotherapy or a recipe. On the other hand, patient’s irritability could be a voice because he can’t sleep at night because his home is too hot. Without asking heat -related triggers, the diagnosis can be incorrect and ineffective treatment.
So, PCPs must be trained to ask questions in such a way: “What is the temperature at home at this time? Do you have access to the air conditioning?” The answers can reveal that the best treatment options involve connecting the patient to community resources instead of writing a recipe.
Care for a changing world
In many ways, the effects of climate change offer an excellent example of why we must continue prioritizing collaborative models of “whole” attention. His impacts touch all aspects of health and human well -being. Because we know that the climate of the earth is dynamic, we must be prepared to recognize and address its influence not only on physical health, but also in mental health.
For doctors, understanding the intricate links between climate and mental health is no longer optional, it is essential. The urgency is clear. From Eco-Anxiety in youth to Height’s vulnerabilities in people with existing mental illnesses, climate change is remodeling the mental health landscape. The integration of climate awareness in clinical education and clinical practices is not just an advance; It is a necessary evolution in mental medical care.
Image: Flickr Kevin Dooley user
Caroline Carney, MD, MSC, FAPM, FAPM, CPHQ, is the president of the health of the behavior and the medical director of Magellan Health, a first clinical company focused on improving the quality and provision of behavioral medical care. An active clinic is certified by the Board both in psychiatry and in internal medicine. Before joining Magellan, Dr. Carney served as a medical director of the Indiana Medicaid Policy and Planning, where she helped launch the Medicaid expansion product, as well as the transformation of behavior health for the community mental health services of the State and served in the governor’s commission. Previously, she was an associated professor of internal medicine and psychiatry at the University of Indiana, where she developed the psychosocial oncology program for the university’s NCI Cancer Cancer Center. Dr. Carney obtained her medical and mastery titles at Iowa University.
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