Climate change and the increased burden on mental health services: the importance of workforce preparedness

Background: Climate change is an existential threat to people’s mental health, associated with acute climate-induced events such as floods and hurricanes and long-term environmental change such as air pollution and droughts. Mental health impacts related to climate change include: increased incidence and severity of mental disorders; post-traumatic stress; anxiety about the changing climate; higher levels of suicidality; and poor psychosocial outcomes. Low- and middle-income countries and marginalised populations tend to experience more severe impacts compared to other regions and populations.
Aim: To examine the effect of climate change on mental health services and to determine how the workforce can be improved to reduce the magnitude of negative impacts.
Methods: A dual, mixed methodology research design was applied, including (1) a secondary analysis of a large systematic review currently under review and (2) a content analysis of a book chapter titled ‘Mental health in a time of crisis: The detrimental effects of climate change’ (Leask et al., in press) in Handbook on Climate Change and Health System Sustainability (Braithwaite et al., in press). From the systematic review by Braithwaite, Leask and colleagues investigating the effects of climate change on health systems, a subset of articles (n=8) focusing on the mental health sector was identified. A thematic analysis of these articles was conducted using an inductive approach. To complement this analysis, the content of the chapter was reviewed to synthesise the main themes.
Results: The two key themes identified in the secondary analysis were (1) workforce skills, education, and preparation (n=5, 62.5%) and (2) an increased burden on mental health services associated with climate change (n=2, 25.0%). Themes identified in the chapter and its case studies included: the rise of psychoterratic syndromes; the inequities of climate change-related mental health impacts; and the need for more targeted mental health resources. The secondary analysis, alongside the content analysis, demonstrated the importance of further developing the mental health workforce to cope with the increased demand on services.
Conclusion: The demand on mental health services is predicted to increase with the rise in climate-induced events. To cope with the increased burden, we will need a well-trained, more comprehensive mental health workforce which is educated about climate change, healthcare services that are more proactive and fit-for-purpose, and better targeted government funding. A well-prepared workforce will help to ensure sustainable mental health care in a world dealing with the effects of climate change.