Dr. Susanne Moser discussed climate change’s significant mental health implications at the Sandor Lecture Series, emphasizing the need for community action and healthcare training. Rising evidence indicates increased psychological challenges due to climate-driven events, with calls for proactive strategies and support systems for affected populations.
The third annual Richard and Ellen Sandor Lecture Series on Medicine and Sustainability centered on the mental health implications of climate change, highlighting the necessity for community cooperation in addressing these concerns. Dr. Susanne “Susi” Moser from Antioch University presented her insights during the event held at the UAMS on March 4, focusing on the pervasive psychological effects experienced due to climate shifts.
Dr. Moser illustrated the struggles posed by climate change using the metaphor of a man rescuing individuals from a river, emphasizing the need for both immediate assistance and proactive measures to prevent disasters. She elaborated on how climate change can adversely affect mental health through increasing temperatures, extreme weather, and food and water shortages, which lead to health problems for individuals in these impacted regions.
The lecture detailed the lingering emotional trauma caused by natural disasters, stating that many who suffer through such events face post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if left untreated. She further mentioned relevant secondary effects like substance abuse and domestic violence, indicating that socio-economic status exacerbates these mental health issues.
A shocking statistic revealed that between 25% and 50% of individuals affected by natural disasters, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, are at an increased risk for various mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. This trend is particularly alarming among vulnerable populations, such as indigenous groups, who struggle with losing their connection to the land, leading to increased isolation and depression.
Dr. Moser pointed out the global nature of these challenges, emphasizing how feelings of abandonment by governments contribute to a deeper sense of helplessness, particularly in developing countries. She acknowledged that Arkansas is experiencing similar difficulties, such as drought and loss of livelihoods, which fosters a need for urgent attention to mental health in the face of climate change.
Interestingly, Dr. Moser noted a rising public trust in medical professionals concerning climate change, which positions healthcare providers as pivotal resources for individuals seeking guidance. Nevertheless, she indicated a gap in training healthcare specialists to recognize and handle climate-related mental health concerns.
Addressing the audience of mostly medical professionals, Moser stressed the importance of education in bridging this gap. She outlined her initiative, The Adaptive Mind Project, which aims to equip healthcare professionals with necessary skills to address the psychological impacts of climate change through workshops and support groups.
Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, reinforced the importance of the lecture’s messages, noting that healthcare practitioners are seeing an increase in patients displaying symptoms linked to climate change. He called for enhanced training and community preparedness to handle both physical and mental health repercussions resulting from climatic shifts.
Williams asserted, “Arkansas communities must have plans and personnel in place to deal with both short and long-term disasters, including high numbers of severe storms, prolonged drought, food shortages and so forth.” This critical call for action emphasizes the need for comprehensive community strategies in addressing the multifaceted burdens of climate change.
The lecture by Dr. Susanne Moser illuminated the intricate relationship between climate change and mental health, underscoring the urgent need for community engagement and preparedness. With data indicating the rising incidence of mental health issues tied to climate events, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to receive appropriate training. Furthermore, establishing community plans and supporting vulnerable populations will be crucial in mitigating these impacts.
Original Source: news.uams.edu
