Discover the therapeutic nature of nature.
Introduction:
Hey there! 🌟 We noticed you felt drawn to us before, and there might be a deeper reason behind it. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 and have since forgotten it. Maybe you visit nature on weekends and appreciate its 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 but want to understand why you leave feeling replenished. Or perhaps you're curious about the 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 and wish to know which one can heal your specific ailment.
If you've been intuitively enjoying forest bathing your whole life but want to uncover the 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁, we invite you to explore 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆.
Climate mental health refers to the mental and emotional well-being impacts resulting from the climate crisis, including both direct impacts from extreme weather events and indirect effects from environmental changes. It encompasses a range of responses, from natural reactions like eco-anxiety to more severe mental health conditions like depression and PTSD.
Elaboration:
Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a significant public health concern, with far-reaching consequences for mental health and well-being.
Key aspects of climate mental health:
Direct impacts:
These include mental health impacts from extreme weather events like heat waves, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. These can manifest as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions, especially in individuals directly exposed to the events or those who have experienced displacement or loss.
Indirect impacts:
These stem from the broader consequences of climate change, such as food and water insecurity, resource scarcity, displacement, and disruptions to social and economic systems. These can lead to increased stress, anxiety, grief, and feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
Emotional responses:
The threat of climate change can trigger a range of emotional responses, including eco-anxiety, ecological grief, and eco-anger. These are normal responses to a growing global crisis but can become concerning if they interfere with daily life.
Vulnerable populations:
Certain populations are disproportionately affected by the mental health impacts of climate change, including children and young people, those living in vulnerable areas, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Interdisciplinary approach:
Understanding and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on climate science, psychology, psychiatry, and public health.
Examples of climate-related mental health impacts:
Eco-anxiety:
A chronic fear of environmental doom or a sense of distress related to the effects of climate change.
Ecological grief:
Feelings of sadness, loss, and mourning related to environmental changes and ecological damage.
Increased risk of mental health conditions:
Studies have linked climate events to increased rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide.
Disrupted social support networks:
Extreme weather events can displace communities and disrupt social support systems, further impacting mental health.
Importance of addressing climate mental health:
Recognizing the mental health consequences of climate change is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and interventions.
Addressing climate anxiety and other emotional responses can help individuals cope with the challenges of a changing climate.
Integrating mental health considerations into climate change policies and actions is essential for promoting overall well-being.
Climate mental health impacts are broadly classified into direct and indirect effects, with an overarching category for the emotional distress caused by climate change awareness. Direct effects stem from exposure to extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes. Indirect effects arise from the social, economic, and environmental disruptions caused by climate change, such as displacement and resource scarcity. Overarching effects encompass the emotional toll of knowing about climate change and its potential consequences.
1. Direct Effects:
(a) Trauma-related:
Stress and trauma from experiencing extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and heat waves.
(b) Stress-related:
This is characterized by general stress, anxiety, and insomnia related to the uncertainty and fear associated with climate change impacts.
(c) Increased risk of suicide:
Our research suggests that there a correlation between rising temperatures and suicide rates, as well as increased risk among those exposed to severe or repetitive climate-related hazards. This is specially evidenced old people in Northern and Eastern Uganda where rising temperature and climate shocks overwhelm people!
2. Indirect Effects:These have;
(a) Displacement and Migration:
Loss of habitable land and livelihoods due to climate change, landslides or mudslides in Kasese,Bududa regions forced people to relocate, leading to stress, anxiety, and potential conflict.
(b) Social and Economic Disruptions:
Climate change disrupts food production, water resources and road or Bridge infrastructures leading to economic hardship and social unrest in communities.
(c) Mental health conditions:
Increased rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions can be associated with these disruptions as we have been discussing.
3. Overarching Effects: These effects include;
(a) Climate Anxiety/Eco-anxiety:
This refers to the distress, worry, and fear about the potential impacts of climate change on the environment and human well-being.
(b) Solastalgia:
A form of emotional distress caused by the negative environmental changes happening in one's home environment, according to the Annals of Global Health.
(c) Feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness:
Awareness of the scale and severity of climate change such as loss of property ,lives of loved ones lead to feelings of helplessness, despair, and a sense of impending doom.
UGANDAN BACKGROUND:
In Uganda, Climate change has significant and multifaceted impacts on mental health, ranging from acute stress and trauma following extreme weather events to longer-term effects like anxiety, depression, and even increased suicide rates among students and community members. These impacts are not uniform, with vulnerable populations and those with pre-existing mental health conditions experiencing heightened risks.
Direct Impacts: These include;
-Extreme Weather Events: Here we have disaster events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires which cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression due to the trauma of experiencing these events.
-Rising Temperatures:
Increased temperatures exacerbate existing mental health conditions and contribute to new cases of anxiety and depression.
-Heatwaves: Heatwaves especially in the northern part of Uganda lead to increased aggression, cognitive impairment, and higher mortality rates among people with mental illness in the northern part of Uganda. No wonder nodding disease is on a rise in the northern Uganda partly because of the rise in temperatures.
Indirect Impacts: These have the following;
-Air Pollution and Infectious Diseases:
Climate change worsens air quality and increase the spread of infectious diseases, both of which have known negative impacts on mental health.
-Resource Scarcity:
Droughts, water shortages, and food insecurity experienced in the northern and Eastern Uganda areas lead to stress, anxiety, and social conflict, further affecting mental wellbeing of our people.
-Displacement and Migration: Climate-related displacement and migration witnessed in Karamoja sub-region, Buduuda, Kasese disrupt social structures, exacerbate social isolation, and increase the risk of mental health problems especially after the loss of valuables like house to mudslides, goods or lives in case of floods in Kampala during rainy season or Landslides.
-Changes in Ecosystems:
The loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation lead to feelings of grief, loss, and ecological anxiety (eco-anxiety).
-Increased Social Isolation:
Reduced social capital and community cohesion due to a competition for food and other social services brought about by climate-related events negatively impact mental health.
Vulnerable Populations: Here women, youth and children are specifically considered most. How?
1. Children and Youth:
Younger generations are particularly vulnerable to climate anxiety and eco-distress due to their heightened awareness of the long-term consequences of climate change.
2. People with Pre-existing Mental Illness:
Climate-related stressors worsen existing conditions such as those with Nodding disease in the North, Karamoja etc. This increases the risk of relapse or hospitalization.
3. Low-income Communities:
These communities which form majority in Uganda face greater exposure to climate hazards and are more likely to experience the mental health consequences due to factors like displacement and resource However, our research shows that though majority citizens in Uganda fall under this category, people in Karamoja,Northern and Eastern Uganda are more vulnerable than people of other regions.
4. Indigenous Populations:
Indigenous communities, who often have strong ties to the land experience significant mental health impacts from climate change due to the disruption of traditional ways of life. The people of Buganda region have been badly affected by these changes.
How does BURACED UGANDA addresses the Issue?
-Research:
Though we do research, there is a need for more research funding into the specific mechanisms by which climate change affects mental health and to identify effective interventions. The current post-hazzard handouts from the president or prime minister isn't sustainable!
-Community-Based Programs:
Building emotionally resilient communities through support groups, climate adaptation education in academic institutions and communities and access to mental health services is crucial.
-Policy Changes:
Addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation strategies is essential to protect both the environment and public health, including mental health. We have a sector by sector policy advocacy which can't be specifically mentioned here.
-Individual Coping Mechanisms:
Practicing mindfulness, connecting with nature, and engaging in social activities can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate anxiety and distress. This coupled with the ongoing climate adaptation education in communities where people are taught how to cope,perhaps raises their hope.
What does Government in partnership with Civil society organisation's like BURACED UGANDA do about the problem?
Climate mental health activities are scheduled to integrate strategies for reducing climate anxiety and promoting well-being. This can be achieved by incorporating activities that address both the individual's emotional responses to climate change and their ability to engage in positive adaptation actions for the environment. These schedules are personalized during our climate adaptation education in communities and academic institutions and include a mix of activities like mindfulness, social support, and climate action.
Here's a breakdown of how BURACED UGANDA structures a climate mental health activity schedule:
1. Addressing Emotional Responses:
Mindfulness and Relaxation:
We schedule regular time for mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety and stress related to climate change.
(a) Nature Connection:
We integrate activities that connect individuals with nature such as spending time in green spaces, gardening or forest bathing which have been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
(b) Creative Expression:
We dedicate time for activities like journaling, art therapy or music to process and express emotions related to climate change.
(c) Psycho-education:
We include sessions that educate individuals about the mental health impacts of climate change and equip them with adaptive/coping strategies.
2. Promote Climate Action and Empowerment:
(a). Community Engagement:
We schedule time to connect with others who are concerned about climate change, participate in community initiatives such as clean ups, plastic bottles collection or engage in local climate action groups.
(b) Sustainable Living Practices:
This incorporates activities that reduce individual carbon footprints, such as reducing waste, recycling of domestic waste, conserving water, and choosing sustainable transportation such as riding bicycles to work places and shopping.
(c) . Advocacy and Education:
We schedule time for learning about climate adaptive solutions and engaging in advocacy or educational activities to promote positive change.
(d). Positive Climate Narratives:
We train people how to include time for engaging in positive stories about climate solutions and community resilience, which can counteract feelings of despair and hopelessness. This is one of the coping strategies.
3. Personalization and Flexibility:
(a). Individual Needs:
We tailor schedules to meet individual needs and preferences, taking into account factors like age, location, and pre-existing mental health conditions of the communities we train.
(b) Regular Review and Adjustment: We regularly review the schedules and make adjustments based on individual/community progress, challenges, and new opportunities for engagement.
(c) Seek Support:
We encourage individuals to seek support from mental health professionals or climate-aware counselors near their communities when needed. This is because our resource envelope is still small to cover the whole country with climate counsellors.
(d). Example Schedule:
A sample schedule we offer include:
-Daily: 15 minutes of mindfulness or deep breathing, 30 minutes of climate action (e.g., recycling, conserving water), and 15 minutes of journaling or creative expression.
-Weekly: 1-2 hours dedicated to community engagement, 1-2 hours for learning about climate solutions, and 1-2 hours for nature connection activities.
-Monthly: We allocate time for a longer nature walk, a community clean-up event, or attending a climate-focused workshop.
By integrating these strategies into a structured schedule, individuals can proactively manage their mental health in the face of the climate crisis and feel empowered to contribute to positive change.
What challenges do you face during climate and mental health adaptation education and management?
Barriers to climate mental health include direct and indirect impacts of climate change on mental well-being, as well as systemic and individual-level challenges. Direct impacts include trauma from extreme weather events, while indirect impacts stem from climate-related disruptions like displacement and food insecurity. Stigma surrounding mental health, limited access to care, and lack of culturally responsive services further exacerbate the problem.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Direct Impacts of Climate Change: They include;
-Trauma from Extreme Weather: Extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other mental health issues.
-Increased Temperature:
Rising temperatures have been linked to increased rates of suicide attempts and other mental health problems according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
-Air Pollution: Air pollution, exacerbated by climate change, poor drainage channels in Kampala city, the dangerous carbon dioxide from combustion engine cars, worsens respiratory problems for people of Kampala and potentially contribute to mental health issues.Its no wonder that one research finding shows that Uganda is ranked among the top six countries in Africa with growing rates of depressive disorders (4.6%).
2. Indirect Impacts of Climate Change: These include;
(a) Displacement and Migration:
Climate-related displacement can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and loss of social support.
(b) Food and Water Insecurity:
Climate change-induced droughts and crop failures can lead to malnutrition, food shortages, and increased stress and anxiety.
(c) Loss of Livelihoods and Economic Instability:
Climate change can disrupt livelihoods, leading to financial instability, which can negatively impact mental health.
(d) Conflict and Social Disruption:
Climate change exacerbates existing social tensions and conflicts over resources, further impacting mental well-being.
3. Systemic and Individual Barriers: These have the following;
-Stigma and Discrimination:
Stigma surrounding mental health conditions prevent individuals from seeking help.
-Limited Access to Care:
Lack of access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas or for marginalized communities is a significant barrier.
-Lack of Culturally Responsive Services:
Mental health services do not have a tailored to the specific cultural address by different cultural settings and backgrounds. This hinders effective inculcation.
-Financial Barriers:We have financial shortfalls for the cost of treatment, lack of insurance coverage and general funding of project activities. Lack of funding is a barrier to accessing mental health care.
-Lack of Awareness and Education: Limited knowledge about mental health and climate change impacts with in the general public and communities prevent individuals from recognizing their own struggles and seeking help. It also hinders them to appreciate our efforts.
-Distrust in Information Sources and language barriers:
Distrust in scientific information or government messaging hinders behavior change and adaptation efforts. However, a partnership with Uganda National meteorological Authority bridges this information gap. Different regions have different languages and making adaptation education localized is challenging.
-Transport and time management. The poor road transportation network makes it hard to reach distant locations in time. This leads to time wastage.
What guides BURACED UGANDA in its work in climate adaptation education?
There are various factors but education background and passion summarize it all.My Masters in Climate/environmental impact assessment guides. Here is the content I follow:
1.1 Climate Change Impacts on Mental Health:
1.1.1 Literature Review and Synthesis
1.1.2 Empirical Studies on Mental Health Outcomes:
1.1.2.1 Longitudinal studies on climate-related mental health impacts
1.1.2.2 Cross-sectional studies on mental health in vulnerable populations
1.1.2.3 Qualitative studies on lived experiences
1.1.3 Development of Assessment Tools and Metrics
1.1.3.1 Validating mental health assessment tools for climate-related stress
1.1.3.2 Developing indicators for monitoring mental health trends related to climate change
1.2 Identifying Vulnerable Populations:
1.2.1 Defining vulnerability criteria based on climate risk and social determinants of health
1.2.2 Mapping and targeting interventions to specific communities
1.3 Evaluation of Existing Mental Health Services:
1.3.1 Assessing accessibility and effectiveness of existing mental health services
1.3.2 Identifying gaps and barriers to accessing mental health care
2. Prevention and Promotion:
2.1 Education and Awareness Campaigns:
2.1.1 Developing educational materials on climate change and mental health
2.1.2 Implementing public awareness campaigns through various media channels
2.1.3 Integrating climate change and mental health into school curricula
2.2 Promoting Climate Action and Resilience:
2.2.1 Encouraging community-based climate action initiatives
2.2.2 Supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic diversification
2.2.3 Fostering community engagement and participation
2.3 Building Psychological Resilience:
2.3.1 Developing and implementing resilience-building programs
2.3.2 Promoting self-care practices and healthy coping mechanisms
2.3.3 Strengthening social support networks and community bonds
3. Intervention and Treatment:
3.1 Expanding Mental Health Services:
3.1.1 Training healthcare professionals in climate-related mental health
3.1.2 Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare settings
3.1.3 Establishing community-based mental health support groups
3.2 Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions:
3.2.1 Delivering culturally appropriate mental health interventions
3.2.2 Utilizing technology to deliver mental health support
3.2.3 Providing specialized mental health services for specific climate-related traumas
3.3 Enhancing Access to Mental Health Resources:
3.3.1 Providing financial assistance for mental health treatment
3.3.2 Reducing barriers to accessing mental health care
3.3.3 Ensuring equitable access to mental health services for all
4. Community Resilience:
4.1 Strengthening Social Capital:
4.1.1 Building trust and cooperation within communities
4.1.2 Promoting social cohesion and mutual support
4.1.3 Empowering communities to address climate-related challenges.
CONCLUSION:
People often recognize that nature feels restorative, but it’s just as important to understand the science behind those benefits,” said Dr. Sharon Stokes-Williamson, Program Director of Health at NEEF. “Helping people become more aware of what they’re feeling can be the first step to improving well-being.” There is a growing body of research that shows how green spaces reduce stress and improve the mental health of people of all ages. In 2009 for example , one study found that “doses'' of nature can be as effective as medication to temporarily improve concentration for children with ADHD.
Another study found that greener settings reduce emotional dysregulation and aggression. Spending time in nature can also be healing for former members of the armed forces experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.
To help get more people outside, BURACED UGANDA developed a Health & Wellness engagement guide in partnership with the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) filled with real-world examples of environmental education activities that make the connection between nature and health. The guide also provides an introduction to activities like forest bathing, which is popular internationally but regrettably less known in Uganda!
BURACED UGANDA’s Climate Mental Health Initiative connects healthcare professionals and educators with resources to use green spaces as a tool for mental wellness. The project builds on our organization’s past and ongoing work—such as our Greening STEM place-based education approach to make the environment more accessible, adaptive, relevant, and connected to people's daily lives.
Our work in this space recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental or scientific issue—it’s also an emotional one. As extreme weather events grow in frequency and intensity, more communities are facing direct impacts, from property damage to climate-related displacement. These experiences can have lasting effects on mental health, particularly for young people,women and youth.
With climate change no longer a distant concept but a lived experience, today’s students are growing up amid a steady stream of sobering headlines and firsthand exposure to environmental shifts showing a need for climate adaptation education and it's inclusion in all academic curriculum.
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