Patients
Ecological grief and eco-anxiety describe the sense of loss and the anxiety people feel related to climate change, including the loss of a stable future."
- American Psychological Association
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It's unsettling to live with "smoke season," watch shorelines lower season after season, and notice other effects of climate change on the places we love so much.
Some of these changes also make our lives more uncertain, affecting our homes, businesses, and traditional cultural practices or spirituality. Some people have called this "ecological grief." |
Here are five things you can do to feel better:
- Talk about it. Anywhere there's nature lovers, you'll find a group of folks talking about this together. You can share your personal story with Montana Climate Stories or write a letter to the editor and make some change!
- Vote on topics that you care about, like climate change. Vote for legislators who will prioritize climate action, and let them know about bills you care about. Democracy only works when you do!
- Consider counseling. Therapy is a great way for anyone to build skills that help you stay calm and manage stress. Agricultural workers can get free counseling through Frontier Psychiatry's partnership with Beyond the Weather: just text or call 406-200-8471, ext. #7.
- Plan ahead. Keep a “Go” kit at home with two weeks’ worth of medications and other supplies, for peace of mind and safety during an emergency, like an evacuation. Remember that many meds break down in high heat.
- Stay connected to your family, friends, and community. Join volunteering groups, religious organizations, sports teams, book clubs -- science shows that anything that gets you around people you care about tends to be great for mental resilience. (Source, source)
- Get out in nature. A short walk can really help you clear your head, or connect to nature by noticing any birds, bugs, or plants you see. Maybe start a nature journal. Making this a habit will help your long-term mental health.
Providers
How will your patients' mental health be affected by climate change?
Photos courtesy of Los Muertos Crew, Farouk Animashaun, Sveta K, and Pixabay.
Social determinants of mental health
We often think of mental health as something to be treated at the individual level. But many determinants of mental health are outside of individual control, such as:
- Freedom from discrimination and violence
- Social inclusion
- Access to economic resources
On the individual level...
- Incorporate mental health wellness into each patient visit. Agricultural workers can text Frontier Psychiatry at 406-200-8471 ext #7 to get free counseling through their program with Beyond the Weather.
- Encourage staff to take online training for mental health and climate change.
- Offer mental health and community pamphlets in waiting room and offices.
- Advocate for clinic or hospital to assess infrastructure and capabilities in case of a natural disaster.
- Encourage patients to keep medications and all medical information online and have a backup pharmacy.
- Remember that common medications including antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and CNS stimulants can decrease thermoregulation. Remind patients on these medications to hydrate and take precautions during hot weather.
- Download our patient handout below:
| mental_health.patients.flyer..pdf |