The Sandor Lecture Series addressed the mental health impacts of climate change, featuring Dr. Susanne Moser, who discussed the need for community efforts to mitigate psychological effects, and emphasized the importance of training health professionals. Mark Williams highlighted the necessity for community preparedness to address the consequences of climate change.
The third annual Richard and Ellen Sandor Lecture Series focused on the mental health impacts of climate change and highlighted the need for community action to address these challenges. Dr. Susanne “Susi” Moser delivered her lecture titled “When Nothing’s Wrong with Us, but Everything is Changing Around Us,” on March 4 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The event was supported by a generous contribution from Richard and Ellen Sandor, who are both noted figures in their respective fields.
Dr. Moser’s lecture drew parallels between rescuing individuals from a river and addressing climate change, advocating for both immediate and preventive actions. She underscored the various mental and physical health impacts associated with climate change, including the exacerbation of existing health conditions due to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and resulting food and water shortages.
She elaborated on the physical injuries resulting from disasters like hurricanes but emphasized the often-overlooked psychological toll, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The lecture revealed alarming statistics indicating that a significant portion of individuals affected by natural disasters face severe mental health challenges.
Dr. Moser pointed out that climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, creating a cycle of exacerbating existing issues. She noted that mental health challenges manifest particularly in young people and those with prior mental health problems, alongside increased feelings of isolation among those who feel disconnected from their land.
During her address, she called for enhanced training among health care professionals to recognize and address the mental health consequences of climate change effectively. Dr. Moser stressed the importance of cultivating community ties and providing emotional support to those affected, while also launching The Adaptive Mind Project to equip professionals with the necessary skills.
Mark Williams, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of this lecture for medical practitioners, pointing out the increased patient distress tied to climate change. He acknowledged that health professionals currently lack adequate training to address these issues, urging for community preparedness and robust support systems to cope with the ongoing and future environmental impacts.
Both speakers highlighted the pressing need for concerted community effort to address the rising challenges linked to climate change and its psychological impacts, as well as the necessity for well-prepared resources and professionals to support affected populations.
The Sandor Lecture Series underscored the critical intersection of climate change and mental health, emphasizing the necessity for communities to unite in mitigation efforts. Dr. Susanne Moser highlighted the extensive psychological impacts of climate change while advocating for the training of health professionals to better support affected individuals. As climate change continues to exacerbate mental health issues, proactive community engagement and support systems are imperative for addressing these challenges effectively.
Original Source: news.uams.edu
