Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution: consequences for psychiatry

Abstract

The climate crisis, loss of biodiversity and increasing global pollution are a threat to mental health. Comprehensive transformations are needed to overcome these crises, which will also affect the mental healthcare system. If done correctly these change processes can seize the chance to improve mental health while at the same time addressing the crises. This includes avoiding the need for psychiatric treatment by strengthening the focus on mental health promotion and prevention, and also considering environmental aspects when targetting therapy procedures. In addition, by focusing on nutrition, mobility and the effects of nature, patients can be empowered to increase their mental resilience whilst reducing the negative effects on the environment. At the same time, the mental healthcare system must adapt to changing environmental conditions: increasing heat waves make protective measures necessary, especially for people with mental illnesses and increasing extreme weather events can lead to shifts in the spectrum of illnesses. Appropriate funding mechanisms will have to be established to support mental healthcare throughout this transformation.