Climate Change Might Affect Your Psychological Health

The phenomena of climate change vis-a-vis its impact on the environment are a much-discussed topic. Researchers now add our psyche is also majorly influenced by climate change. Climate change induced natural disasters can be hard on mental health and can even wreck havoc by causing PTSD.

One in six victims of natural disasters was diagnosed with PTSD. 49% was living in affected area reported of mood disorder, anxiety and depression. Severe weather change event is potent in causing shock and trauma. The victims often are left with indelible experiences that they have to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

According to Mail Online, few of the fundamental problem includes loss of loved ones and property damage can impact the psyche. Climate change brings with it change in flora and fauna, agricultural pattern and infrastructure questioning adaptability and livability of a community. Refugee, rehabilitation problem and loss of identity impacts gravely on mental health.

Often the traumatic experience of weather change leading to conditions of drought and extreme weather conditions pushes the community to be antagonistic. Fear of maintaining livelihood can create a strain in their interpersonal relation. Anxiety and depression loom large making the community cynical. The chances are that fight, abuse and crime will spike up in such a hostile situation.

According to The Washington Post, high level of anxiety and constant fear can also lead to a weaker immune system. For communities that are much rooted to their environment and natural surrounding, the impact may be even greater. Severe weather phenomena bringing change to the natural setting will question their identity and their ability to adapt.

For controlling the trauma a resilient community, strong social support and a robust and swift post-disaster management plan are a must. Equitable distribution of resources and building community cohesion greatly aid in coping with the aftermath of weather-induced natural disasters.