Psychiatry
How Is Climate Change Affecting Psychiatry?
Climate change is exacerbating existing mental health problems as well as leading to psychological distress and the onset of new episodes of mental illness.
Psychological impacts of floods are more commonly reported than physical effects. Persistently higher levels of anxiety, depression and PTSD have been sustained for several years later in flooded households. Widespread damage to property, livelihoods and displacement all play a role in the adverse impacts on mental health.
Those particularly at risk of adverse mental health effects from heatwaves and drought include already vulnerable groups within mental health such as women, adolescents, people of lower socioeconomic status, the elderly and farmers who may show feelings of distress and helplessness.
Among general populations, it seems that high air temperatures are linked to worsening mental health and mortality has been shown to be higher during hot weather in people with mental illness.
Studies confirm an association between heat and suicide and also an increase in mental health service use during hot weather.
How is Psychiatry Affecting Climate Change?
Medications and their prescribing have a substantial carbon footprint. There are sustainable forms of prescribing which can markedly reduce the carbon footprint of a patient’s care without impacting on quality of care.
Detecting and treating illnesses early to halt or slow their progress can reduce relapses, and prevent patients deteriorating to the point of needing hospitalisation; this approach increases efficiency and is an essential part of making healthcare more sustainable.
Promoting use of green and blue spaces as well as improvements in their home, community and hospital environments can empower patients to make more informed choices in their care and to encourage patients to assist in the development of mental health services that are more collaborative and sustainable.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has comprehensive resources on the relationship between climate change, nature and mental health. Visit their page for more information
Discussion Ideas with Patients and Colleagues
Patients:
Every discussion with patients with mental health conditions needs to be tailored to the needs of the patient. Encouraging engagements with natural environments can have mental health benefits, though the benefits can be lessened if the patients feel they have to participate in such activities.
Colleagues
"Can we improve the green spaces around our inpatient sites to help patients?"
"How could we improve our relationship with social care and social housing services to improve care in the community?"
Highest impact actions for Psychiatry Departments
Embed climate change and healthcare sustainability in all education and governance
De-prescribing: stop medication that is not necessary and not supported by evidence
Reduce travel by improving access to services closer to home – ensure availability of a range of activities/social prescribing options by coproduction and peer support inclusion in planning and delivering services
Increase participation of public services staff (health, social care, housing etc) in social based activities
Improve community teams and hospital environments for those requiring higher input from mental health services