A recent study from the University of Arizona shows that increased concern about climate change can lead to heightened anxiety and depression, particularly among individuals with strong empathy for nature. Those affected by environmental changes are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors and coping strategies, while climate change remains a significant global stressor linked to mental health issues. The document also discusses the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the U.S. and the importance of seeking help for persistent anxiety symptoms.

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Concern Over Climate Change May Trigger Anxiety and Depression, Says Study
Natural calamities like wildfires, floods and storms, and weather abnormalities are usually a
distant threat for most of the people. However, individuals who have witnessed such
devastating episodes in the past are more likely to ruminate over those unpleasant
experiences. Now, a recent study suggests that people who are concerned about the fate of
the environment may suffer from depression and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Arizona (UA) analyzed the association between Americans’
response to the changing environment and their mental health. They found that an
individual’s psychological responses to climate change depended on his/her concern for the
environment. The one who is more concerned about flora and fauna experiences the most
stress. Overall, the Americans who were more worried about changes in the climate and
environmental dynamics were more vulnerable to developing depression and anxiety than
people who were less reactive to these changes. The study was recently published in the
journal Global Environmental Change.
According to study’s
lead author Sabrina
Helm, people with
empathy for nature
and animals are very
considerate about
the bigger issues
concerning nature.
The idea of changing
dynamics of nature
and its harmful
implications on
animals and humans
make them worried.
Helm referred to the
extinction of species
as one of the
examples of evident environmental changes that may bother people with increased
sensibilities toward nature.
“For them, the global phenomenon of climate change very clearly affects these bigger picture
environmental things, so they have the most pronounced worry, because they already see it
everywhere... For people who are predominantly altruistically concerned or egoistically
concerned about their own health, or maybe their own financial future, climate change does
not hit home yet,” Helm said.

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The researchers highlighted some pro-environmental behaviors that people sensitive to
climate change tend to exhibit, including engaging in recycling or energy saving practices.
Such individuals were also likely to involve in coping mechanisms to manage environmental
stress, which may comprise staying aware of the problem and looking for the possible ways
to solve them. The study noted another class of stressed individuals who were concerned for
the well-being of others rather than the environment. These individuals also exhibited some
environmental coping strategies.
‘Climate change is a persistent global stressor’
Overall, the researchers found climate change as a persistent global stressor, with some
individuals seem to be taking it so seriously that it affected their mental health. These
changes, as suggested by Helm, have clear implications on physical and mental health. She
referred to the hurricanes like Katrina and Harvey.
Cyclone Harvey caused a significant increase in people with mental health problems over the
last month. About 30-50 percent of all Katrina survivors showed post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), a study indicated. A study by the Columbia University suggested 36 percent
of child victims of Katrina exhibited serious emotional disturbances. Similarly, Hurricane
Sandy was responsible for depression in 33 percent, PTSD in 20 percent and anxiety in 46
percent residents.
Anxiety among Americans
Occasional anxiety is a common problem. People may feel anxiety while facing job interviews
or financial constraints. These are normal feelings that disappear in some time. However,
these unpleasant feelings may persist for longer periods in some people, causing an anxiety
disorder. Depending on the nature of symptoms, anxiety disorders have different types such
as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and panic attacks, among
others.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of India (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect
nearly 40 million Americans aged 18 and older every year. People with anxiety disorders
experience increased feelings of fear and uncertainty, affecting their ability to perform
everyday activities. Moreover, these problems may also increase the risk of developing heart
disease, depression and substance abuse. However, most anxiety disorders are treatable with
timely medical intervention.
If an individual is experiencing any unusual or disturbing fear or worry that persists for long,
he or she should seek expert’s help. The Anxiety Disorder Helpline can connect you to the
expert you might be needing to access the best treatment option available in your vicinity.
Call at our 24/7 anxiety helpline 866-971-7951 for prompt information.