Summary of “Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events on Mothers”
This study explores how climate change and extreme weather events (EWEs) affect maternal mental health, highlighting increased rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) among mothers exposed to these events. The research identifies feelings of helplessness, isolation, and heightened anxiety about children’s well-being as key challenges. The findings call for targeted support and policy advocacy to protect maternal mental health amid climate crises, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptive strategies.
TAKEAWAYS FOR PROFESSIONALS
1. Identify Climate-Related Mental Health Risks: Understand how climate change intensifies PMADs among mothers, creating unique mental health risks during the perinatal period.
2. Support Maternal Resilience: Learn strategies to support mothers in building resilience and adaptive skills in the face of environmental challenges.
3. Advocate for Maternal Mental Health Policies: Recognize the importance of policies that address climate-related mental health needs for mothers, promoting systemic support for this vulnerable population.
TAKEAWAYS FOR MOTHERS
1. Understanding EWE-Related Anxiety: Recognize how climate change and extreme weather events may impact mental health and coping strategies during motherhood.
2. Building Resilience: Explore ways to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacities to face environmental stressors while protecting personal well-being.
3. Seeking Support: Learn about the importance of seeking mental health support and community resources to navigate climate-related stress and protect family health.
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citation:
Pardon, M. K., Dimmock, J., Chande, R., Kondracki, A., Reddick, B., Davis, A., Athan, A., Buoli, M., & Barkin, J. L. (2024). Mental health impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on mothers. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 15(1), 2296818. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2023.2296818