Climate change isn’t just about rising sea levels and melting glaciers – it’s deeply affecting our mental well-being. Extreme weather events, from devastating floods to scorching heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense. It leaves a significant mark on our emotional and psychological health.
You might be surprised to learn that even in temperate regions like the UK, these events can have a profound impact. Studies have shown a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and even PTSD following extreme weather occurrences.
How does extreme weather affect mental health?
- Direct Trauma: The immediate impact of extreme weather can be traumatic. Witnessing destruction, experiencing personal loss, and facing displacement can all trigger sever emotional distress.
- Chronic Stress: The ongoing threat of extreme weather events can create chronic stress and anxiety. Concerns about future disasters, the uncertainty of living in a changing climate, and the fear of losing one’s home can take a heavy toll.
- Social Disruption: Extreme weather events can disrupt social networks, damage communities, and strain existing resources. This social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.
What can you do?
- Stay informed: Be aware of weather warnings and develop an emergency plan with your family.
- Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or community support groups for emotional support.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, mindfulness or spending time in nature.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD following an extreme weather event, consider seeking professional help.
Telehealth and EMDR Therapy
Telehealth services makes it convenient to access support from the comfort of your own home. I also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions, including those triggered by extreme weather events. EMDR helps individual process distressing memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Remember, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
If you need expert therapy services in California, Texas, and Oregon, Dr. Sara C is a highly rated EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapist. Serving Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX, she provides outstanding telehealth therapy.
In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Cruz, J., White, P. C. L., Bell, A., & Coventry, P. A. (2020). Effect of Extreme Weather Events on Mental Health: A Narrative Synthesis and Meta-Analysis for the UK. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(22), 8581. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228581