A new summary of WHO policy highlights actions for countries
Climate change poses serious risks to mental health and well-being, according to a new WHO policy report presented today at the Stockholm + 50 conference. The organization therefore urges countries to include mental health support in their response to the climate crisis, citing examples in which several pioneering countries have done so effectively.
The findings coincide with a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in February this year. The IPPC has found that rapidly growing climate change poses a growing threat to mental health and psychosocial well-being; from emotional stress to anxiety, depression, sadness and suicidal behavior.
“The impacts of climate change are increasingly part of our daily lives and there is very little dedicated support for mental health available to people and communities addressing the dangers and long-term risks associated with climate,” he said. dr Maria NeiraDirector of the WHO, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.
The effects of climate change on mental health are unevenly distributed to certain groups that are disproportionately affected depending on factors such as socioeconomic status, gender and age. However, it is clear that climate change is affecting many social determinants that are already leading to enormous mental health burdens globally. The WHO survey in 95 countries from 2021 showed that only 9 have so far included mental health and psychosocial support in their national plans for health and climate change.
“The impact of climate change is aggravating an already extremely challenging situation for mental health and mental health services globally. “Nearly a billion people live with mental health problems, but in low- and middle-income countries, 3 out of 4 people do not have access to the necessary services,” he said. devoured Kestel, Director of the WHO, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “By strengthening mental health and psychosocial support in the context of disaster risk reduction and climate action, countries can do more to help protect those most at risk.
A new WHO policy report recommends five important approaches for governments to address the effects of climate change on mental health:
- Integrate climate considerations with mental health programs
- Integrate mental health support with climate action
- Build on global commitments
- Develop community-based approaches to reduce vulnerability and
- Close the large funding gap that exists for mental health and psychosocial support
“WHO member states have made it clear that mental health is a priority. “We work closely with countries to protect people’s physical and mental health from climate threats,” he said dr Diarmid Campbell-LendrumWHO climate leader and lead author of the IPCC.
There are some good examples of how this can be done, for example in the Philippines, which has renewed and improved its mental health services after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, or in India, where a national project has increased disaster risk reduction in the country while preparing cities to respond. on climate risks and to address mental health and psychosocial needs.
The Stockholm Conference marks the 50th anniversary of the UN Conference on the Human Environment and recognizes the importance of environmental determinants for physical and mental health.
Note to editors
The WHO defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which each individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with life’s stresses, can work productively and productively, and is able to contribute to his or her community.”
The WHO defines mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) as “any type of local or external support aimed at protecting or promoting psychosocial well-being and / or preventing or treating mental disorder”.
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