User:Megan pierobon/sandbox

While the physical health impacts of climate change are well known, the impact on mental health has only begun to be recognized in the last decade . Furthermore, extreme weather events and conditions contribute to increasing mental health issues such as confusion, delirium, and persisting neuropsychological deficits. This article discusses the link between environmental issues caused by changes in climate; drought, flooding, and environmental disasters all of which lead to the mental health issues.

Research has shown that extreme weather events lead to a variety of mental health disorders from the impacts of loss, social disruption, and displacement (Portier & Tart, 2009). Some examples of common mental health conditions associated with such events include: acute traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, complicated grief, anxiety disorders, sleep difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and drug or alcohol abuse (Portier & Tart, 2009). Events such as wildfires and hurricanes can lead to anxiety and emotional stress, further exacerbated in already vulnerable populations with current mental health issues (Portier & Tart, 2009). Extreme weather events can lead to the migration of large communities due to stressors upon already limited resources (Portier & Tart, 2009). For example, the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina lead to a variety of mental health problems due to destruction of resources (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). Many people were left homeless, disenfranchised, stressed, and suffering physical illness (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). This strain on the public health system decreased access and availability of medical resources (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). Some climate change adaptation measures may prevent the need for displacement; however, some communities may be unable to implement adaptation strategies, and this will create added stress, further exacerbating already existing mental health issues (Portier & Tart, 2009). Extreme weather events and population displacement lead to limited availability of medications, one of the primary resources required to meet psychological and physical needs of those affected by such events (Portier & Tart, 2009).

One of the more devastating impacts of climate change on mental health is the increased risk in suicide. Studies show that suicide rates increase after extreme weather events (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). This has been demonstrated in Australia, where draught has resulted in crop failures and despair to the Australian countryside (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). Farmer were left with nothing , forced to sell everything, reduce their stock, and borrow large sums to plant crops at the start of the season (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). This has caused a growing increase in depression, domestic violence, and most alarmingly suicide (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). More than one hundred farmers in the countryside had committed suicide by 2007 (Epstein & Ferber, 2011).

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_a_e/climatereport2010.pdf

References

Chand, P. & Murthy, P. (2008). Climate change and mental health. Worl Health Organization .Retrieved from http://209.61.208.233/LinkFiles/Regional_Health_Forum_Volume_12_No_1_RHF-vol12.pdf#page=51

Epstein, P. & Ferber, D. (2011). Changing Planet, Changing Health . Los Angelas : University of California Press.

Portier, C. & Tart, K. et al. (2010). Mental health and stress related disorders. Environmental Health Perspectives and the National Institute of Environment Health Services. Retrieved from http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_a_e/climatereport2010.pdf