Climate change and his dark sides: This is how he puts a strain on our psyche!

Climate change and his dark sides: This is how he puts a strain on our psyche!

Hamburg, Deutschland - The effects of climate change are clearly noticeable in Germany. From more intensive heat waves to more frequent extreme precipitation - nature is evident from an increasingly threatening side. But not only physical health suffers, mental health does not remain unaffected by these developments. According to hamburg.de worries and fears are felt among the population. In particular, a concern of climate is determined among students: over half of them suffer from it. This is shown by a survey by the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW).

But what exactly does that mean for society? The connection between climate change and mental health is multidimensional. In addition to direct causes such as heat and natural disasters, there are also indirect effects: food shortages, economic uncertainties and social conflicts can lead to increased psychological stress, such as pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) emphasized. In particular, new phenomena such as 'climate fear' and 'solastalgia' show how profoundly the topic intervenes in people's life. Solastalgia describes, for example, the emotional pain about the loss of the usual habitat.

emotional reactions to climate change

The psychological consequences of climate change should not be underestimated. After extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, many people experienced significant symptoms of post -traumatic stress disorders and other mental illnesses. According to environmental federal office.de, this can lead to a threat to the entire health system. Heat waves, as we have been able to experience them in recent years, not only promote violence and conflicts, but also an increasing suicide rate. In addition, emotional reactions such as 'Eco-Anxiety' and 'Eco-Grief' can lead to serious health problems.

In order to meet these challenges, adaptation of psychiatric care is essential. The German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (DGPPN) has already developed recommendations for action to implement climate -neutral measures in psychiatry. The aim is to achieve climate-neutral care by 2030, as the company indicates in its recent plans for the integration of climate change issues in the training of specialists. Prevention should play a central role here.

study on student health

The results of the HAW study "Climate Change and Student Health" (Klimm Ment) will be presented online on June 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interested parties can find out how the students in Hamburg deal with the psychological consequences of climate change. From July 1st, a detailed article will be published on "Science Made in Hamburg", which will give deeper insights into the topic.

The climate crisis is not only a challenge for our environment, but also puts our mental health to the test. It is important that we become aware of the emotional stress that it brings with it. This is the only way we can find solutions and support people who suffer from the consequences of climate change.