The consequences of climate change are no longer confined to the environment; they have evolved into a full-blown mental health crisis. While the physical impacts of climate change—such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and air pollution—are well-documented, the psychological toll is increasingly coming to light. This article explores the indirect or downstream effects of climate change on mental health. It focuses on how issues like displacement, migration, food insecurity, the loss of cultural heritage, and the overall anxiety associated with changes in the environment contribute to a range of mental health challenges, from chronic stress and anxiety to depression.
Climate change exacerbates mental health issues through displacement and migration. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, millions of people are forced to leave their homes, often with little hope of returning. This displacement can lead to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression; especially when individuals are unable to rebuild their lives in new locations. In the Philippines, for example, climate change has been linked to higher rates of sleep disorders, migration-induced stress, and conflict, all of which contribute to poor mental health outcomes (Villarino Resti et al., 2024). The mental health consequences of migration are further compounded by the loss of social networks, community ties, and cultural practices that provide a sense of stability and identity.
Solastalgia, describes the sorrow people feel when their environment is transformed or destroyed beyond recovery. This has been observed in diverse communities, from Australian farmers grappling with prolonged droughts to Inuit populations in Northern Canada facing the loss of their traditional ice-covered landscapes (Brandt et al., 2024). This form of environmental grief goes beyond the loss of physical surroundings; it encompasses the sense of loss associated with the erosion of cultural heritage, customs, and a sense of belonging. The psychological impact of such losses can be profound, leading to feelings of uprootedness, hopelessness, and even identity crisis.
Wahid et al. (2025) conducted a cultural adaptation of the Solastalgia subscale of the Environmental Distress Scale (EDS-Solastalgia) in Kilifi, Kenya, a region severely affected by drought. The study revealed that the loss of culturally significant landscapes, such as the Kaya forests, had profound psychological effects on the Mijikenda people, who experienced deep sorrow as their traditional ways of life were disrupted by climate change.
A 2021 survey of 10,000 adolescents and young adults across ten countries found that 59% were extremely or very worried about climate change, with 45% reporting that this worry
interfered with their daily functioning (Brandt et al., 2024). Especially younger generations, who are acutely aware of the damage being done to the planet, are experiencing a profound emotional burden or ‘eco-distress’ as such an effect is now being termed. ‘Eco-distress’ as a term encapsulates the emotional and psychological responses to the climate crisis, including feelings of sadness, anger, fear, and hopelessness. Eco-distress is not merely about worrying about the future; it is about mourning the loss of biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural traditions that are being irreversibly altered or destroyed.
Calabria and Marks (2024) explored the emotional burden faced by climate scientists, who are regularly exposed to distressing information about the climate crisis. The research found that Climate scientists often experience a sense of moral distress, as they witness the devastating impacts of climate change while feeling powerless to effect meaningful change on a global scale. Arguably, this foreshadows the type and kind of distress that may increase in prevalence as environmental impacts are felt more broadly.
Food insecurity plays a significant role in mental health; as changing weather patterns disrupt agricultural production, many communities face uncertainty about their food supply. This uncertainty can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, particularly in low- to middle-income countries where food security is already precarious. The psychological toll of not knowing where the next meal will come from can be devastating, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The mental health impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed. Those in low- to middle-income countries are disproportionately affected, as they often lack the resources to
adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change. Shomuyiwa and Lucero-Prisno (2025) highlight the concept of collective dissociation, a subconscious defense mechanism that hinders effective action in the face of the overwhelming climate crisis. Collective dissociation can manifest as a form of denial, where individuals and communities distance themselves from the reality of climate change, leading to inaction and a lack of engagement with the crisis. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in vulnerable populations, where the psychological toll of climate change is often compounded by pre-existing social and economic challenges.
Despite the growing body of evidence linking climate change to mental health issues, there is still a significant gap in understanding the full extent of these impacts, particularly in low- to middle-income regions. Researchers have called for stronger frameworks to study the mental health consequences of climate change in non-industrialized countries, where the effects are often most severe but least understood (Villarino Resti et al., 2024).
The European Psychiatric Association has emphasized the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the mental health impacts of climate change. This includes preventive interventions, such as community-based mental health programs, and patient-centered care that takes into account the unique challenges posed by climate change (Brandt et al., 2024). As the mental health crisis linked to climate change continues to unfold, it is clear that a holistic approach is needed—one that considers not only the environmental but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of this global challenge.
The indirect effects of climate change on mental health are profound and far-reaching. From eco-distress and solastalgia to displacement and food insecurity, the psychological toll of climate change is immense. As we grapple with this unprecedented crisis, it is essential to recognize that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a mental health emergency. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from mental health professionals, policymakers, and communities worldwide. The emotional and psychological impacts of climate change are real, and they demand our attention and action now more than ever.
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- Villarino Resti, T., Hozhabri, K., Saint-Onge, K., & Bernard, P. (2024). A systematic review of mental health and climate change in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Psychiatry,101, 104191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104191
- Shomuyiwa, D. O., & Lucero-Prisno, D. E. (2025). Climate change trauma and collective dissociation: Unraveling the impact on mental health and advocating for collective action.
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