Tag Archives: mental health

The Rise of Eco-Anxiety

April 22, 2020

Uncontrollable wildfires, heatwaves, rising ocean levels, and other climate change conditions are contributing to a surge in “eco-anxiety” – a new subset of mental illness that is characterized by an intense fear of environmental damage or demise. This sense of anxiety is largely based on the predicted future state of the environment as related to human-induced change. While not the same as clinical anxiety disorder, eco-anxiety can worsen or trigger preexisting mental health conditions.

Per recent data, about 70% of people in the United States are worried about climate change, while over half feel “helpless” about the situation. More evidence is emerging suggesting people are experiencing severe or chronic anxiety due to a feeling of lack of control; they are frustrated and afraid while also feeling guilty and anxious about their personal impact on the environment, causing the latest surge in eco-anxiety cases in the Western world.

What is Eco-Anxiety?

First defined in 2017 by the American Psychiatric Association as a “chronic fear of environmental doom”, the disorder remains under investigation. Although not currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the condition is characterized by chronic or severe anxiety related to the current and future state of the environment.

The immediate effects of climate change – including damage to communities, food shortages, and reduced medical supplies – can not only harm physical wellbeing and displace populations, but can also prove to be a significant challenge on mental wellbeing. Gradual impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, warmer temperatures, and changes in seasonal patterns may lead to the development or worsening of chronic mental health symptoms. These can manifest as a mix of trauma and shock, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorder, aggression, reduced feelings of autonomy, feelings of helplessness, and fatalism.

What Causes It?

For most individuals, eco-anxiety stems from experiencing or being at risk of experiencing climate-related consequences. The stress over losing housing or employment due to environmental changes can have a significant effect on an individual’s wellbeing, while chronic stress can raise the risk of several serious health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, depression, and general anxiety disorder. This intensifying anxiety may also result from a growing awareness of the possibility of extreme weather events, the potential loss of livelihood or housing, fears for future generations, and increased feelings of helplessness.

Vulnerable Demographics

Some of the more vulnerable demographics for this condition include populations who reside in locations at risk for extreme weather – such as coastal towns and low-lying areas – and especially individuals who work in a field affected by environmental patterns such as fishing, tourism, and agriculture.

In addition, people who live in indigenous communities and rely on natural resources for their livelihood, tend to reside in more vulnerable geographic locations. They may face an increased fear of losing their housing, livelihood and cultural heritage which can be damaging to identity, belonging and a the greater sense of community.

First responders, emergency health care workers, and people who work in environmental jobs are more prone to developing eco-anxiety. Additionally, individuals with preexisting mental and physical conditions, children and young adults, people of lower socioeconomic status, and displaced or forced migrants may be more likely to experience the mental health condition.

As there is currently no clinical definition of eco-anxiety it may be difficult for health care practitioners to diagnose. However, if a patient is concerned about the environment to the point of interference with everyday activities or their ability to work or take care of themselves, they should be urged to speak to a mental health professional who may provide the necessary therapeutic support and be able to suggest effective coping mechanisms.

Experts in the field of eco-psychology, a branch of the medicine that evaluates psychological relationships with nature and their impact on identity, wellbeing and health, are working to better understand the newly-defined disorder and develop effective methods to alleviate its symptoms. A growing number of mental health practitioners are receiving training to help detect and manage fears related to eco-anxiety as its burden continues to increase. As part of this effort, the Climate Psychology Alliance is offering individual and group support for eco-anxiety sufferers as well as education for therapists, including free sessions over the phone or Skype.

Mental Health Tips for Clinicians During COVID-19

April 6, 2020

In the difficult time of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the healthcare industry and its dedicated professionals are working around the clock to treat patients and prevent the further spread of the infection. As the first line of defense against the disease, physicians must maintain not only their physical health by practicing current safety practices, but also protect their mental health despite rising stress levels, long work hours, and prevailing uncertainty. In an effort to ease the psychosocial symptoms accompanying the epidemic, a recent article published in Medical Economics outlines several suggestions for physicians and other care providers to help them cope during this extremely demanding period.

Manage Stress Levels 

Managing stress levels and psychological wellbeing is as essential during this time as ever. High-pressure conditions have been directly tied to negative effects on physical health; increased cortisol production has a well-established relationship with decreased immune system functioning. Although health care providers are likely to be experiencing severe levels of stress at this time, simple coping techniques can provide relief. To help alleviate stress, professionals are encouraged to ensure a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and the use of relaxation techniques – all of which can help clinicians cope with the increased demands of their jobs at this time while having positive effects on their overall wellbeing.

Prioritize Basic Needs

As mentioned above, ensuring adequate rest during work hours or between shifts as well as eating sufficient amounts of healthy food are basic necessities for coping in a time of emergency. Other positive strategies include engaging in physical activity when possible and staying in close contact with family and friends. Clinicians are urged to avoid employing adverse coping mechanisms, such as tobacco, alcohol, or other drug use as these can worsen mental and physical health in the long term and make the current situation more difficult to handle.

Stay Connected

During a period of required social distancing and isolation, it is vital to maintain contact with family, friends, and colleagues to ensure access to social support. Staying connecting throughout the day has never been easier with digital technologies facilitating constant contact and allowing people to remain in touch despite physical distancing.

As it may be difficult for healthcare providers to see their loved ones or maintain physical contact for fear of spreading the infection, it is crucial to call, FaceTime, message, and reach out in other ways. It is also important to ensure diverse forms of communication are being used – that do not solely rely on written words – to connect with individuals with intellectual, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities, especially if you are a team leader or manager in a healthcare facility.

Work Together

Ensuring good quality communication across staff members can facilitate working together during this time. Individuals in managerial positions are encouraged to support the mental health of medical professionals in any way they can. This should include rotating workers from high-stress to lower-stress functions to ensure they can get adequate rest. Inexperienced workers should be paired with more experienced employees to help provide support, monitor stress, and reinforce safety procedures. Further, healthcare providers should be encouraged to take breaks, while flexible schedules should be implemented for workers who are directly or indirectly impacted by the COVID-19 infection.

Promote Access to Support Services

Team leaders and managers of healthcare facilities are asked to ensure their staff has access to mental health and psychosocial support services, not only during these difficult times but at all other times as well. While individuals in leadership positions can and should provide positive role models for self-care strategies to help mitigate stress, they are not immune to the psychological toll of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is important to remember that these individuals are also be experiencing increased levels of stress and feelings of pressure, requiring access to support services as well.

Educating medical professionals on how to provide basic emotional support to affected people and each other using psychological first aid is a necessary step. Some strategies include speaking and acting calmly, creating connections and building relationships, as well as encouraging mindfulness via proven relaxation techniques. A more comprehensive guide to psychological first aid can be found here.

Beyond combating the coronavirus outbreak, a current priority is ensuring the physical safety and mental health of healthcare providers worldwide. Managing stress, connecting with others, and making sure to prioritize basic needs in this emergency situation can help drive positive outcomes for both providers and their patients, who need the support of the healthcare workforce more than ever.

Thyroid Awareness Month: The Connection Between Thyroid Disease and Mental Health

January 31, 2020

The end of January marks the conclusion of Thyroid Awareness Month, which aims to spread awareness of the thyroid conditions affecting over 20 million Americans. At present, many individuals live with undetected thyroid disease – up to 60% of patients are unaware of their condition. While the underlying causes of thyroid disease remain largely unknown, preventative measures are necessary, such as the routine evaluation of the thyroid to ensure early detection and diminish the risk of severe comorbidities.

Thyroid conditions can affect people of all ages, however, they affect women significantly more often than men. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include restlessness, inability to focus, anxiety, weight loss, and tachycardia: all of which can be alleviated with appropriate treatment methods. However, emerging research reveals a connection between thyroid disease and the development of mental health conditions – which are not easily mitigated with treatment of thyroid dysfunction.

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