depression
Newsletter
Therapy groups for eco-distress are spreading globally to help people cope with climate anxiety
Group therapy sessions, such as those offered by the Good Grief Network, are helping people around the world manage feelings of anxiety, grief and despair linked to climate change.
In short:
- LaUra Schmidt founded the Good Grief Network after identifying the emotional toll of climate science on frontline workers.
- The network offers a 10-step peer support program to help participants process grief and distress related to climate change.
- The rise in eco-distress has led to various informal support groups like climate cafes, held in diverse locations from campuses to coffeehouses.
Key quote:
“In the face of a looming collapse, uncertainty is actually pretty cool.”
— a new Good Grief Network facilitator
Why this matters:
As the climate crisis worsens, more people are feeling the emotional burden. Addressing eco-distress is essential for maintaining mental health and empowering collective action against global warming.
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Credit: Mike Baker/Unsplash
Health impacts of Maui wildfire revealed in new study
A study shows alarming health issues among Maui wildfire survivors, including high rates of depression and respiratory problems.
In short:
- The University of Hawaii study found increased depression and respiratory issues among Maui wildfire survivors.
- Preliminary results indicate a significant decline in health post-wildfire, with potential long-term impacts.
- The study aims to provide insights for better medical and psychosocial care for disaster survivors.
Key quote:
“The observed kidney function issues and respiratory symptoms are very concerning … These health problems are likely related to environmental exposure.”
— Dr. Ruben Juarez, co-researcher and professor of economics at the UH Economic Research Organization
Why this matters:
This study underscores the need for comprehensive healthcare and support for disaster survivors, particularly in addressing mental health and chronic conditions. The findings also emphasize the importance of environmental health in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Wildfire smoke causes more than 33,000 deaths a year across 43 countries, according to a new global study.
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Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
The effects of climate change on mental health
Extreme heat causes serious and sometimes fatal effects on the human body. Less is known about how prolonged heat impacts our mental health.
Photo by Cosiela Borta on Unsplash
The mental toll of climate change
Mental health professionals are seeing more clients suffering from a pervasive form of stress: unease brought on by the effects of our changing climate.
Central Pa. interfaith service offers hope amid climate change despair
Climate change is a major concern for a majority of religious Americans, but it’s not discussed much in congregations, according to the Pew Research Center. This has led to increased feelings of sadness, loss, and despair as people witness negative effects on the environment.
Michael Brace/Flickr
Do you have to be an optimist to work toward a better world?
For professionals in fields such as suicide prevention and climate science, the future can seem bleak. But sometimes action is the most effective form of optimism.
Newsletter
Forest therapy helps survivors of climate-fueled Paradise wildfire
A California forest therapy program is testing whether landscapes ravaged by rising temperatures can help ease the anguish that climate change will bring.
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