Climate change impacting mental health: speakers

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar held here on Friday termed climate change an added source of stress and called for tangible measures to address the issue which was increasingly impacting the mental health of vulnerable populations.

They expressed these views at a public awareness seminar, “Climate Change and Its Effect on Mental Health, “ organized by the Horizon Organization at the Ibadat Hospital.Prof Dr Afzal Javed, Chairman of the Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre and former president of the World Psychiatric Association, was the keynote speaker.

Dr Afzal Javed highlighted that climate change was affecting daily life, with significant impacts on physical and mental health. “Our physical and mental health is being directly and indirectly impacted. This is something that must be realized and addressed,” he said to the participants, who included psychologists, psychiatrists, academicians, columnists, and writers.

He explained that climate change impacted both developed and underdeveloped countries. “When our daily activities are disrupted, our productivity suffers, ultimately affecting the economy. The direct and indirect effects become a larger issue that is difficult to overcome in the long run,” said the doctor who is known for leading and facilitating international research studies.

Dr Afzal Javed pointed out that climate change and global warming were impacting lives and health. “Data clearly shows that 25 to 30 percent of the global population experiences mental health issues. While major mental illnesses may not constitute 30 percent, even then mental health problems affecting such a large portion of the population are significant. The Royal College of Psychiatrists states that one in four people have some mental health issue,” elaborated the doctor who was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the government of Pakistan in recognition of his services.

He noted that experts agreed that 50 percent of mental illnesses began before the age of 15, and 75 percent before the age of 25. “These are internationally recognized figures, proving that individuals start facing such illnesses before the age of 30 or are, at least, vulnerable to them,” he explained.

The speaker emphasized the link between mental illnesses and weather. “There is ongoing research in the field of mental health to examine the direct and indirect effects of weather. Disasters such as floods, tsunamis, and famines have direct impacts, while poverty, migration, social exclusion, and displacement have indirect effects. All these factors collectively impact our mental health,” he pointed out.

Referring to the smog issue in the country, the speaker noted that children in Punjab were not attending school due to air quality concerns. “Daily wage earners are out of work, leading to social and financial stress. This causes anxiety and irritability as people become uncertain about meeting their needs. Media reports have highlighted an increase in eye diseases, chest infections, and respiratory issues, all of which affect the population,” he stated.

Dr Afzal Javed also mentioned that war, trauma, and conflicts impact the environment and are linked to mental health. “Psycho-politics and geopolitics contribute to making politics a significant factor in mental health,” he added.

To address these challenges, he suggested a multi-step approach, beginning with creating awareness. “Awareness should first be raised among those in psychology, social work, sociology, and anthropology,” he said.

“In the second stage, modules should be prepared and incorporated into school and college curricula to enable students to discuss the scientific impacts of climate change both directly and indirectly,” he explained.