Dr. Susanne Moser discussed the mental health effects of climate change during the Sandor Lecture at UAMS. Emphasizing the urgency for community action and support, she noted that climate change exacerbates issues like anxiety and PTSD. The lecture called for better training for health professionals and community preparedness to tackle these pressing challenges.
The third annual Richard and Ellen Sandor Lecture Series on Medicine and Sustainability highlighted the mental health impacts of climate change. Dr. Susanne Moser, a scholar at Antioch University New England, delivered a lecture titled “When Nothing’s Wrong with Us, but Everything is Changing Around Us” at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The lecture series was made possible by a generous donation from the Sandor family, including businessman Richard Sandor and artist Ellen Sandor.
Dr. Moser shared an illustrative story about a man rescuing people from a raging river, emphasizing the need for community involvement in addressing climate change. She stated that efforts must also focus on preventing individuals from encountering such catastrophic events in the first place. During her lecture, she discussed the severe mental and physical repercussions of climate change, including increased anxiety, depression, and PTSD following natural disasters, noting that these effects are particularly pronounced among vulnerable populations.
The speaker mentioned that climate change exacerbates existing health issues, leading to psychosocial challenges such as substance abuse and domestic violence. Vulnerable populations, including the impoverished, are at a greater risk of experiencing compounded effects from climate change. Moser highlighted that a substantial percentage of individuals affected by natural disasters suffer adverse mental health consequences.
She addressed the phenomenon of climate-driven anxiety, particularly among youth and individuals with prior mental health concerns. Moser underscored the distress indigenous communities experience when disconnected from their ancestral lands, leading to significant identity and relational challenges.
Dr. Moser’s observations aligned with empirical research indicating that feelings of helplessness are magnified in developing nations facing socioeconomic difficulties. She expressed concern about governmental inaction, which leaves communities feeling abandoned amidst growing climate challenges.
While speaking to a largely medical audience, Moser noted that public trust in health professionals is increasing, presenting a unique opportunity for medical practitioners to provide support regarding the mental health repercussions of climate change. She stressed the importance of acknowledging patients’ emotional responses to these changes, as traditional platitudes may not suffice in such situations.
Moser emphasized that education and training are essential to bridge the gap in knowledge regarding mental health impacts stemming from climate change. She founded The Adaptive Mind Project to enhance training for medical professionals, focusing on emotional and psychological skills necessary for supporting affected individuals.
Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, reiterated the relevance of Moser’s lecture, stating that healthcare practitioners encounter increasing numbers of patients suffering from climate-related mental distress. He emphasized the need for adequate training and community resources to address the mental health consequences of climate change effectively.
Williams argued that community preparedness is essential to manage both the immediate and long-term effects of climate change, calling for comprehensive plans to address impending environmental and health challenges in Arkansas.
In conclusion, the Sandor Lecture highlighted the profound mental health effects of climate change, as articulated by Dr. Susanne Moser. The lecture emphasized the need for community engagement, education, and adequate training for healthcare professionals to address these challenges adequately. With the compounded effects of climate change becoming increasingly clear, a collective response that includes preparation and the promotion of mental well-being is imperative for vulnerable populations.
Original Source: news.uams.edu
