Mental Health and Climate Change | StrongMinds
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Mental Health and Climate Change

Mental Health and Climate Change

Supporting psychological resilience in the face of climate change.
Right Flourish

Climate and environment are often overlooked triggers for depression.

Extreme weather events and natural disasters can lead to a range of stressors, including displacement, loss of resources, food and water insecurity, and uncertainty about the future.

Burdens related to climate change constitute 34% of disability-adjusted life-years in sub-Saharan Africa.

The psychological impact of natural disasters can exceed physical injuries by 40 to one.

What We Are Doing

StrongMinds provides direct mental health support to people experiencing depression resulting from environmental events and stressors, such as floods, droughts, and unpredictable growing seasons.

We are also working at the global level to highlight the importance of good mental health in fostering resilience in the face of climate disasters.

StrongMinds’ Direct Impact: Case Studies

Kiteezi Landslide

Relentless downpours battering East Africa resulted in widespread flooding and damage, triggering a landslide at Kampala’s only waste dump, Kiteezi, killing 35 people and displacing around a thousand more. We are on the ground providing mental health support to people in the affected community.

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Severe Drought

A lack of rain in Zambia has led to a prolonged drought, causing widespread crop failures and crippling the country’s infrastructure, which relies on hydroelectric power. We continue to offer mental health support to people and communities to help build resilience to climate-related issues.

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Cholera Outbreak

Heavy rains and flooding in Zambia led to contaminated water sources, causing one of the worst cholera outbreaks the country has seen in decades. We continued to provide mental health support to communities throughout the country, helping people cope with the sudden outbreak.

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StrongMinds Attends Global Forums

Our presence at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Climate Week NYC highlights our commitment to advocating for mental health as a critical global issue. These platforms offer us opportunities to engage with policymakers and international organizations, helping position mental health at the forefront of global development conversations.

We recognize the direct impact of climate change on mental health, particularly in regions where extreme weather events exacerbate economic hardship, food insecurity, and social instability. Many of the communities we serve experience these issues first-hand. By connecting the dots between environmental crises and psychological well-being, we can advocate for the crucial need for mental health care to build resilience in the face of climate-related issues and catastrophes.

These global forums offer us a chance to showcase our work and strengthen our ability to meet the growing mental health challenges that climate change presents.

Global Advocacy Efforts

StrongMinds advances global access to mental health care by sharing our evidence and key learnings with advocates and stakeholders; local, regional, and national government officials in our countries of operation; and at high-level global convenings.

How is mental health impacted by the environment?

Environmental stressors and acute weather events can disrupt lives and livelihoods, triggering or exacerbating depression symptoms.

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“Losing everything I had was a traumatic experience. But with the help of the StrongMinds support group sessions, I was able to overcome depression and find ways to rebuild my life.” – Susan, Mbale District, Uganda

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