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Post by Admin on Mar 15, 2017 13:22:30 GMT -4
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Post by sbonnerup on Mar 15, 2017 20:17:29 GMT -4
The article brought up the dealing with builders and insurers after the flooding to help mitigate the damage to the family home along with some of the stress associated with them. In the Shepherd case, over a year of being "displaced" from the home, albeit nearby. This family was fortunate in that they were able to live in an RV until their home was repaired, as well as nearby, lessening the shock of being displaced from the permanent home.
At the end of the article where Rubin mentions that in the developing world, substance abuse is higher following disaster than it is in the developed world, such as the UK. Indeed, in the developing world, few, if any people have the means to live in an RV for over a year while their normal dwelling is repaired. Agrarian societies are also more prone to the hardships of potentially losing a year's income from damage to crops. The developing world is also more prone, although not exclusively, to flooding make the water non-potable. It is quite plausible to see how in the developing world with less resources to cope with natural disasters, such events can have devastating consequences. The anxiety of not knowing where one is going to sleep tonight due to their home being destroyed, the melancholy of losing a year's wages due to crop damage or the depression at losing family and neighbor to lack of food or clean water.
Returning to the Shepherd family, the old adage is true: "home is where the heart is". How can a person be at peace when the very place where memories are made and keepsakes and heirlooms are kept is in shambles?
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Post by SKher on Mar 16, 2017 17:34:02 GMT -4
With the situation we’re in currently in the United States and the fact that climate change and mental health is being downplayed, it is very concerning to just read the title “Depression, anxiety, PTSD: The mental impact of climate change”. The article states that “these types of natural disasters are expected to rise in frequency due to climate change”, which means a potential rise in mental health problems in the population. To be completely honest, I’ve never thought about the repercussions that natural disasters can have on mental health; I’ve only ever thought about the expense of losing everything you own and rebuilding your home, but after reading this article, I agree with Dr. James Rubin and that treating the mental health disorders that follow should be a priority. The part about the data that surprised me the most was that a rise in temperature can lead to aggression and violent behavior. Being from Michigan where it gets decently cold, most people always think about escaping to somewhere warm because it’ll make them happy, even only if temporarily getting away from the cold.
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Post by Grace Kittrell on Mar 16, 2017 19:39:31 GMT -4
This article enlightens me to a source of psychiatric illness that I had not previously considered. It makes a great case for how taking care of our planet can directly impact the health and wellness of the people that inhabit it. When I think of stressors that lead to PTSD, depression, and anxiety, I do not normally think about natural disasters. However, this article makes it plainly clear how such events could lead to these issues. This is a great case to make for supporting laws that prevent climate change, and it is a powerful stance that I have not yet heard. As a provider, if I am ever caring for someone who has medical issues due to a natural disaster, I will be sure to take special care to evaluate their psychological health as well.
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Post by Cynthia Okoro on Mar 16, 2017 20:36:27 GMT -4
The article focuses on dealing with one of the consequences or outcome of climate change, I prefer the root of the problem be solved than dealing with the aftermath, and also there is a need for man to improve its adaptation skills as the world is constantly changing. People will get anxious when they cannot find answers to pressing problems especially problems with such devastating outcomes which will lead to depression with the idea that the problem is inevitable and there is nothing you can do. Treating potential outcome is managing the situation, but handling environmental issues by either adapting to changes or enlightening people on how to solve it on individual levels is solving the problem.
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Post by Chelsea Hoenes on Mar 17, 2017 16:53:34 GMT -4
This article brought up something that is a significant issue to the United States, and a hot topic of discussion: immigration. With global warming reducing coast lines and forcing people inland, it would follow that there would be an increase in immigration to areas with better infrastructure and relative safety. Immigration not only affects those that provide sanctuary to victims of wars, violence, or in this case natural disasters, but the immigrant population itself often carries with it a significant mental health burden. Given the strain already placed on mental health practitioners to serve a growing population of patients, I believe that we may soon expect an even greater need for psychological infrastructure development.
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Post by Sharon Scaria on Mar 18, 2017 16:47:02 GMT -4
This is a very true article. In my past two weeks at Pact Atlanta, 4 people who had a history of depression claimed that having such a cold weather is making them feel a little more depressed than usual. I think most of us can relate to this article; we tend to feel happier and be more productive when its a nice sunny day; compared to when it is a dark and gloomy day. Now, if thats how a tiny change in weather conditions affect us; I think the impact it has on patients suffering with psychiatric issues would be a million times more.
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Post by Amir Mullick on Mar 18, 2017 17:55:34 GMT -4
What the Shepherd family faced is beyond comprehension. They had a dream to move into a house in a far off location and it was all ruined by floods caused by climate changes. Unfortunately, none of it is reversible either. A fear of water, and even the sound of splashes, will bring back memories of losses. Trump, living in the city, faces none of these possible issues. The city area faces frozen pipes, which are underground, so damages are never visualized and rarely causes of actual problem to any one individual. Trump and his people do not find there to be any problem with climate changes. This article summarizes the problems with our new leaders and the already existing issues with mental health. Our leaders do not see the indirect, long-term, tertiary effects that their direct decisions have. Disregarding climate change, in the case of the Shepherd family, lead to the loss of a house and the breaking away of the mentality of an entire family. Depression, PTSD, and phobias are almost always a result of impacting stresses, and climate changes have only begun impacting us right now.
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Post by jjensen on Mar 18, 2017 20:12:13 GMT -4
This article did not overly surprise me. From the onset, the title: “Depression, Anxiety, PTSD: The Mental Impact of Climate Change” got me thinking. It’s hard to turn on the television these days without hearing something about climate change on the news. I thought back to a college friend of mine who was living in Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit the state. I can remember her talking about the devastation left in the wake of disaster and how she felt “homeless” because they were unable to return to their house. This article really brings to light how important it is to make sure these people receive support and counseling following these devastating events. While it seems obviously important to provide mental health services to those who have been impacted by these events, it seems to be a reactive strategy. A more proactive strategy of finding ways to combat climate change and prevent these natural disasters is important, as well.
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Osvaldo Friger UMHS
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Post by Osvaldo Friger UMHS on Mar 19, 2017 16:43:23 GMT -4
I agree that natural disasters lead to economic and physical repercussions on families whether its depression, anxiety or PTSD, the inability to provide for your family will always have a psychological consequence on any individual. The mental cost of loss is preventable with changes in policy that can ensure services for people who are in need. I am not implying that government should be in our lives when it comes to times of hardship but there should be some sort of protection for working families in agriculture. The reason being is because there are fewer resources to fall back on. Workers who are stable economically have less of a risk of having depression or anxiety
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Post by Mythri Samboju on Mar 19, 2017 19:25:26 GMT -4
As people become more aware of mental health around us it is no exception that climate changes should be acknowledged more than it is now. As the article talks about more and more people are getting affected by the climate change around us and us(medical health professionals) need to be more acclimated on how to deal with victims of natural disaster's and how to do crisis control when such situations happen. Most of the time in this day and age when things don't affect us personally they are the least to get looked at, but this article makes an important point that not only does these natural disasters have a significant impact on this world and along with that climate changes have a great impact because they affect everyone. The effects of climate change range from an increase in temperature leading to aggression and violent behavior, natural disasters causing PTSD and depression, drought causing economic loss and farmer suicide, rise in sea levels leading to migration. All of these aspects have a huge impact on our society and the way we function and how those around us function also such a huge global impact on our economy, health, resources etc. I believe the first steps to solving these problems are 1.awareness- not just medical personnel but civilians as well 2. Information is key to getting help and inform people on signs and symptoms of when to seek help 3. Resources, for people to seek the help they need to know where to seek help, that's where resources should be provided after the disaster and even before the disaster happens.
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iyke
New Member
Posts: 5 
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Post by iyke on Mar 19, 2017 22:19:54 GMT -4
weather, climate and mental state of people have always been thought to have a link. most times people with depression are advised to take a walk or get some form of sunlight and this is seen to improve their condition tremendously. however, this weather also has a negative part to ones mental health as stated and shown by the article. for countries or places that on the coast, weather changes can be a serious problem as a Nigerian that lives in the coastal area i can relate to this. people that lose their properties, loved ones as a result of this changes in enviromental conditions are usuallly left with scars and reduced optimism about what the future hold because the climate condition around the globe is deteriorating and it looks as if it would only get worse. however, its a good thing that this has been brought to light through this article because it would go a long way in helping people that are affected not just by providing them with new home but also taking care of their mental need.
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Post by S. Stephano on Mar 21, 2017 8:27:30 GMT -4
It is no surprise that researchers are finding strong links between climate change and mood. We are already familiar with mood changes associated with the climate's normal cycle in cases of seasonal depression. In regards to catastrophic events, people are more vulnerable as damages and loss of life tend to be more severe. These events typically occur with little forewarning or time to prepare and if occur frequently can be incredibly detrimental to the psyche. As humans we grow to believe that we can control things and make our lives what we wish, but these natural forces will always be a reminder of our limitations. I agree that it is vital that we offer mental health services to those who have suffered during these natural disasters. These resources which will help people cope emotionally should be included in the assistance offered to areas hit by natural disaster.
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Post by J Bass on Mar 21, 2017 17:48:52 GMT -4
It is no secret that any form of trauma or disaster can have psychological repercussions. People who lose everything in natural disasters could experience a number of mental health issues and in light of this, it is a great idea for the Government or individuals who have money set aside to assist with mental health costs in case there's a natural disaster. Furthermore, there need to be a real look into how we as human beings can help prevent climate change. By being proactive about preventive factors that cause climate change we can stop some of these mental health issues, which are due to natural disasters, before they arise. Finally, by teaching the world what affects different climate changes can have on their mental health will help them take their own preventative measures and prepare themselves mentally. More awareness will help prevent these issues.
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Post by Matt Kellner on Mar 22, 2017 19:23:30 GMT -4
The article talks about environmental change(which is uncontrollable mother nature) and its effects on the mental and emotional states of humans. Everyday someone could be affected by this. And without the correct resources it can really changes lives. The article talked about when the temp rises people get aggressive, when a natural disaster hits they get depressed and anxious. There are so many other traumatic events that happen in everyday life that need attention and the people involved need professional help to overcome. I think the moral of this article is to make people aware that so much goes into the dynamics of ones mental state and it really does affect your emotional status. The world needs to continue to press these issues and to encourage every single person who has been affected to seek help.
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