Professor discusses climate change and mental health on ABC News
On July 11, Susan Clayton, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology at 糖心Vlog传媒, appeared in an 听to discuss the negative impacts of climate change on mental health.听鈥淐limate change can affect mental health by just increasing people鈥檚 stress and worry about the issue, the more they hear about,鈥澨齭he said.听鈥淚 think a lot of people are not really aware this is a problem.鈥澨鼺eatured in both a video and online article,听鈥淐limate Change Also Has a Mental Health Toll鈥 by听Cristina听Carujo,听Clayton听was quoted听for her expertise听on听both environmental and psychological听subjects.听听
The segment also included narratives from survivors of California wildfires and Hurricane Katrina. 鈥淧ost-traumatic stress disorder can be quite common because it is traumatic to live through one of these events,鈥 Clayton explained.听The combination of natural disasters听and rising temperatures with socioeconomic stresses can lead to this mental toll. 鈥淐limate change gas been described听as an existential threat, something that really challenges the way we think about the world,鈥 Clayton said. 鈥淎nd I think it has the potential to erode our sense of security.听
As drastic weather patterns become more common, Clayton emphasized the importance of seeking psychological treatment.听鈥淎s a听global society, there鈥檚 still a lot of听stigma听around mental health problems, but there are things that can help you with this,鈥 she advised. 鈥淚 think it would help people cope.鈥听
Posted in News on July 12, 2021.
Related Posts
Related Areas of Study
Psychology
Do research, work with faculty mentors, and tailor a psychology program to your interests
Major MinorEnvironmental Studies
Natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities courses combine for those who want to be part of environmental solutions
Major Minor