In the last few weeks in recent weeks, it was reported that the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has announced that two climate changes are currently in progress: El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole.
These conditions are expected to lead to warmer and dry conditions from now until the summer season, along with more intense heatwaves, bushfires, and droughts.
In subtropical and temperate zones, Our summers are increasing in length and becoming longer and hotter, and winters are getting warmer and shorter. Changes in climate are the principal driving force of these changes.
Read more: Explainer: El Niño and La Niña
What happens to our mood as the temperature rises?
Longer heat and longer temperatures are connected to the development of aggression and greater rate of hospital emergency admissions due to health problems as well as heat-related injuries and mental health issues.
Following an extreme catastrophe or weather event The risk of depression, anxiety, as well as post-traumatic stress are higher..
Many Australians have been through physical and mental effects of droughts, bushfires, heatwaves, floods and bushfires.
For certain communities and individuals who experience these kinds of circumstances could mean that the people may be more robust or more prepared in the event of a change. Others, the possibility of rising temperatures or other threats to the climate could be a cause for worry. It is also possible that they trigger anxiety or stress prior to trauma, which is the anxiety that occurs prior to a death or trauma.
Read more: Worried about heat and fire this summer? Here’s how to prepare
Anxiety, anger and sadness
As climate-related issues increase in frequency and more frequent, people could also be more affected by emotions like anxiety, anger and sadness.
climate anxiety is a term used to describe the anxiety, fear and anxiety about climate change. Anxiety is a useful reaction because it helps us prepare and deal with future threats. For instance, a fear of climate change can trigger positive environmental behavior and climate action, like going to an environmental protest. However, this anxiety can be excessive.
The loss of wildlife and the natural world as a result of bushfires may cause people to feel sadness about what’s gone, as well as frustration about the lack of steps to prevent this loss.
The losses could be more personal in nature, like harm to the health of a person’s family, their livelihoods, their homes, or even the capacity to engage in enjoyable outdoor activities like taking part in sports or exercising outdoors.
Another experience, called solastalgia refers to an experience that is described as “homesickness you have when you are still at home”. Researchers have suggested that that solastalgia could be a sign of anxiety when one sees negative changes and gradual degradation in their environment. The feelings can arise as we notice seasonal or environmental changes that affect the places that we cherish and call home.
Read more: You’re not the only one feeling helpless. Eco-anxiety can reach far beyond bushfire communities
But there are things you can do
As we enter the summer months with a the strength of community support, cohesion, and preparedness could be crucial. There are other strategies you can take to ensure and maintain your mental health and well-being. Although more research is required to determine what strategies work best, medical professionals advise