Climate Change Psychological Distress: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Mental Health Disturbances

Abstract

The majority of climate change research and policy centers around the physical health effects of planetary degradation. The mental health impacts of climate change are just now starting to be elucidated and discussed more commonly among mental health providers and policymakers. There is a huge area of opportunity in primary care to discuss and address climate anxiety in patients, many of whom may not be forthcoming in discussing how climate anxiety is contributing to their mental health.