The climate crisis is impacting our mental health - Toronto Star

The climate crisis is impacting our mental health

As communities around the world grapple with increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters, from raging wildfires to catastrophic hurricanes, an aspect of this crisis that often goes unmentioned is the toll on our mental well-being.

Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. We can’t overlook the anxiety, grief and trauma caused by this environmental degradation.

As wildfires and hurricanes overwhelm communities , people are feeling fear, loss and despair. Reports show that more people, particularly among younger generations, are struggling with eco-anxiety and climate grief. This isn’t surprising considering that they will be facing the long-term consequences of the climate emergency.

Most vulnerable populations, especially those facing disproportionate environmental hazards and lack of resources, require focused support. Investing in affordable housing that can withstand increasing climate shocks represents a public health and moral priority. Meeting basic needs stabilizes lives and well-being for all.

To honour World Mental Health Day’s aim of raising awareness of mental-health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health, we must prioritize solutions that include building communities with sustainability and well-being in mind.