6 Major Ways Climate Change is Affecting Mental Health in Chicago
Climate shifts impact more than the circulatory system, aggravating a growing mental health concern in the U.S. Chicagoans, for instance, are increasingly battling stress, anxiety, and depression with worsening weather changes.
The link between mental health and climate has escalated to a concerning level, with the emergence of institutions like https://chicagopsychiatrists.com that offer relief and adequate resources to cope with this burden.
However, what is the actual toll climate change takes on one’s mental health? Chicagoans, for example, face six significant consequences due to these changes.
1. Increased Ineffectiveness of Mental Coping Strategies Due to Rising Heat
The past few years have seen Chicago break its own records in terms of temperature due to global warming.
Researchers studying these conditions over long periods state that extreme heat exposure results in higher anxiety levels, irritability, and aggression.
Lack of sleep can further worsen these existing problems, especially during the hot summers of Chicago.
Few unemployed individuals suffering from anxiety disorders are bound to have panic attacks during the Chicago summer due to the excessive heat.
2. Elevation in the Frequency of Storms Leading to PTSD and Hopelessness
Chicago suffers from flooding due to the increase in the heavy storms Chicago suffers from.
It seems paradoxical that these progressive storms can be damaging to one’s mental health, but they lead to PTSD depending on the level of damage experienced.
Even those with no direct influence can develop disaster anxiety, a state where the person worries about their economic well-being along with their and their family’s safety.
3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Complications Developed Due to Climate Change
The persistent cold weather in Chicago’s winter season contributes to the prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which has been exacerbated by global climate change.
Irregular weather makes it difficult for people to prepare themselves both mentally and physically for the changes that come with new seasons.
The lack of sunlight over extended winters can cause severe depression, fatigue, and low motivation in people.
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4. Pollution and Decline In Cognitive Functioning
The residents of Chicago already suffer from higher levels of pollution due to climate change, further deteriorating the quality of air.
Research has established a link between pollution and worsening mental health, especially depression, anxiety, and cognitive retardation.
Long-term exposure to pollution is particularly dangerous for children and elderly people, as they are likely to suffer from severe neurological disorders and memory loss.
5. The Emotional Face of Climate-induced Relocation
Some flood-vulnerable Chicanos and those living within high-risk areas are now being bullied by climate change to move, which is a forced relocation.
While new areas provide refuge, such environments lack familiar communities and support systems, leading to emotional distress.
These feelings of loss, ambiguity, and lack of direction can cause depression coupled with social isolation, making it increasingly difficult for people to put their lives back together.
6. The Strain on the Economy Due to Climate Change Costs
The psychological impacts of flooding, extreme weather, and inflation in utility expenses remain a serious concern.
Economic stagnation is one of the major sources of depression and anxiety for low-income households in Chicago, which have to spend a lot of money on climate adaptation such as AC installation and home reinforcements.
Conclusion
Mental well-being is negatively impacted by climate change, which is often seen as just an environmental issue.
The residents of Chicago suffer greatly from economic stress and extreme weather conditions.
There are effective methods to lower the psychological burden, such as accessing professional care, and these need to be considered along with raising awareness.
In parallel with other climate challenges the city will face, ensuring the city’s population is mentally well has to be made as high importance as tackling climate change.
