Climate depression. Critical analysis of the concept

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the challenge posed to mental health by climate change. Our inquiry is based on literature review and original qualitative studies. The data are collected from both desk research and in-depth interviews with participants belonging to following groups: High school and university students, young parents, activists, and psychotherapy patients. This paper also offers the critical review of contemporary terminology used for mental health problems and emotions appearing in the context of climate change, as well as the history of scientific interest in the issue at hand. The term and phenomenon of climate depression acquires a special focus, based on qualitative studies participants' self-reports and main arguments critical to medicalization of emotions experienced when facing the climate crisis. The additional analysis of socio-political and cultural aspects of climate change and mental health concludes in establishing the urgent need for further research in the area, so as to gain multidimensional understanding necessary for providing adequate mental health services. It is very likely that it will be increasingly needed in the future.