Understanding and managing psychological distress due to climate change.

BACKGROUND: Australia has warmed by 1.4°C since pre-industrial times. This is greater than the global average and is predicted to exceed 1.5°C by 2030. This will have significant environmental effects that can threaten human wellbeing. Most Australians have direct experience of climate change-related events, with health, social, cultural and economic impacts already evident and wide-ranging implications for mental health. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of climate distress, which encompasses both 'climate anxiety' and other forms of distress related to climate change. It outlines the features and prevalence of climate distress, as well as approaches for assessment and management based on current evidence and theory. DISCUSSION: Climate distress is common and can take many forms. These concerns may not be readily disclosed, but can be sensitively elicited, and patients may benefit from the opportunity for empathic, non-judgemental exploration of their experiences. Care must be taken not to pathologise rational distress while identifying maladaptive coping strategies and serious mental illness. Management should focus on adaptive coping strategies, use evidence­based psychological interventions and draw upon emerging evidence about behavioural engagement, nature connection and group processes.

The clinical implications of climate change for mental health.

Climate change affects mental health through multiple pathways, including direct and indirect impacts, physical health and awareness of the climate crisis. Climate change increases the magnitude and frequency of extreme events with little or no time for recovery. This Review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence to inform the mental health field's response to climate change. While further innovation is needed, promising approaches for health professionals are identified at the levels of interventions for individuals, community and system-wide responses, and advocacy and education. Health worker training is important, so we offer guidance on mental health assessment and clinical risks from climate change. We also outline strategies to enhance individual and community psychological resilience and promising approaches to working with people experiencing emerging climate-related disorders. Beyond clinical care, mental health professionals can lead on climate action and sustainability in health care and can research and educate on the health effects of climate change.

Debate: How can child and adolescent mental health professionals show leadership in the face of the ecological and climate crisis?

The authors discuss the failure of political leadership in the face of the climate and ecological crisis, particularly in the Australian context.This failure exacerbates the climate distress of young people. The work of Psychology for a Safe Climate offers clinical leadership with its support model and Climate Aware Practitioner Network. It is argued that child and adolescent mental health professionals need to show leadership both as clinicians and advocates.