The Hidden Cost of Climate Change: Mental Health in Punjab

When people speak about climate change, they usually refer to the increased temperature, melting glaciers, compromised crops, and extreme weather events. Its effects extend beyond the physical environment. Additionally, the psychological impacts of climate-related disasters and environmental uncertainty can cause emotional distress, which can persist after the immediate disaster has ended. Mental health is an important aspect of climate change policy as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The link between environmental changes and mental health needs to be given more importance in Pakistan, especially in the state of Punjab, where communities face extreme weather events, floods, smog, and changing climatic conditions that affect their mental health. Therefore, the psychological needs of community affected by climate change should also be taken care of to build the climate resilience of the community, in addition to protecting their infrastructure and livelihoods.

Climate change may impact mental health either by causing sudden disasters or by causing changes in the environment. Displacement, bereavement, financial loss, and destruction of homes can all be caused by floods. These experiences can lead to anxiety, grief, emotional distress and, for some, to post-traumatic stress symptoms. In the meantime, continued heat stress and inconsistent income opportunities, coupled with multiple environmental crises, can lead to chronic psychological stress.

One of the new terms that have emerged is eco-anxiety, which is defined as worry or concern about environmental degradation and the future of the planet. These concerns may be especially relevant to young people who may have a sense of uncertainty regarding the environment in which they will live.

Why Punjab Needs Greater Attention

The environmental issues in Punjab provide a good example of why planning for environmental issues should include consideration of mental health and the impact of climate change. Extreme heat can cause sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, and impair outdoor work and daily activities. High temperatures can put an extra strain on the people who work outside, such as in farming, construction, or other industries.

Another problem is flooding. The loss of homes, belongings, livestock and/or livelihoods has far-reaching effects on families. Displacement can impact the education, employment, family life, and community of affected individuals. The lack of certainty regarding recovery can add to the emotional strain, especially for low-income families.

Stress in agricultural communities can also arise when there are shifts in weather patterns, water availability, and extreme conditions impacting crops and livelihoods. Likewise, regular smog can hinder outdoor activities, disrupt everyday life, and raise health and future concerns.

Not everyone is impacted by these pressures to the same degree. Children, older adults, families on low incomes, families that have been displaced, and individuals with pre-existing mental health problems may be further disadvantaged in coping and in recovery.

The catastrophic floods in Pakistan last year in 2022 showed the magnitude of disruption that climate-related disasters can inflict. One study on mental health and psychosocial support following Pakistan's flood crisis underscores the need to meet psychological needs as well as humanitarian assistance needs. It is important to note that mental health support does not need to involve specialist treatment for all affected individuals. Practical supports, community resources and networks, psychological first aid and referral to trained personnel as needed can all help with recovery. The challenge is ensuring that there is adequate help available, culturally responsive, and available to those who need it.

Building a Psychologically Resilient Punjab

By integrating mental health into the existing environmental, public health, and disaster-management approaches, Punjab can boost climate resilience. Needs for mental health in the context of climate action can be thought of in terms of WHO's policy recommendations on mental health and climate change.

First, it is important to take into account the psychological aspect of disaster preparedness and recovery planning, in addition to safety concerns. Staff at the front line could be trained to identify distress and to offer initial help and referral to relevant services. Post-displacement support can be particularly relevant for those who are displaced for an extended period or have lost a large amount.

Second, schools and universities can educate children and young people about environmental dangers without inducing fear. Climate education should include accurate, scientifically sound information along with strategies for engaging in constructive environmental action and emotional response. It is advisable to involve students in solutions and also help them understand that they are not alone in their responsibility for climate action; institutions and policymakers have an equal role.

Thirdly, public communication must be accurate, timely and practical. Heatwave and smog warnings can assist in helping people make informed decisions and useful information regarding assistance and support can minimize confusion in emergencies. Communication should recognize real risk.

Lastly, coordination between the environmental authorities, health departments, educational agencies, local and disaster management agencies can be beneficial in identifying gaps in support. Evaluation post major climate events may take into account the psychological and social, as well as physical damage. Any evaluation made must respect privacy and not stigmatise communities affected.

These measures would need to be well planned, utilize appropriate resources, and be evaluated. They should be used alongside, and not in place of, critical investments in emissions reduction, pollution control, climate adaptation and affordable health care.

Conclusion

Climate change is not just an environmental issue but can impact the nature of security, loss, uncertainty, and recovery for people. It is a chance for Punjab to build on this connection by adopting a more holistic approach to community wellbeing when designing and implementing climate policy. Mental health support should not be seen as a response to an environmental crisis. Psychological aspects can be incorporated within preparedness, public communication, education, and recovery planning to develop climate resilience in Punjab that takes care of the physical and psychological health of people.