November 17 Webinar – Caribbean Climate and NCDs Workshop Series: Mental Health and Climate Crisis
Caribbean Climate and NCDs Workshop Series: Mental Health and Climate Crisis
Thursday, November 17, 2022 | Virtual | 6:00 – 7:30 PM EST
Worsening climate change has many impacts on health and wellbeing, including mental health. Eco-anxiety, particularly among youth, is increasing. Small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and often lack adequate mental healthcare capacity. Increased anxiety, depression, substance abuse and often consequences of climate-caused loss of loved ones, property, crops, and businesses or population displacement/migration. People living with mental disorders, other chronic health issues and disabilities are at higher risk. Join us as we unpack the mental health issues above and what can be done to better prepare for and provide psychological first aid in affected communities as well as explore the needs for action research.
Following this session participants will be able to:
- Explain how climate change interacts with the physical and social environment to alter risks and vulnerability for mental disorders
- Explain what actions practitioners, patients and communities can take to reduce risk and adverse impact, e.g., climate risk health history, communication materials, counseling, stress first aid
- Identify three priorities for action research on mental health and climate change in the Caribbean