When we think of spring, we might imagine rebirth and renewal that comes with the warmer weather and longer days. It’s usually a time to celebrate, flock to and spend more time in nature.
Author
Tara Crandon
Psychologist and PhD Candidate, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
Spending time in nature or doing things outside, such as or , .
But this year, with an to the bushfire season, and the long, hot months ahead, we may see our views about the warmer months start to shift.
For some people, the coming months are not a celebration. They are something to fear, or feel sad about.
In particular, communities and emergency responders who have experienced bushfires or drought in the past may see rising levels of as they face the months ahead.
How’s this spring different?
In recent weeks, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has two climate events are now under way: and a positive .
These events predict warmer, drier conditions through to summer, as well as more intense heatwaves, bushfires and droughts.
In temperate and subtropical regions, our summers are on average hotter and longer, and winters are becoming warmer and shorter. Climate change is the of these shifts.
What happens to our mood as the temperature rises?
Hotter temperatures and prolonged heat is linked to and of emergency hospital admissions due to health conditions, heat-related injuries, and mental health concerns.
After an extreme weather event or disaster, rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress .
Many Australians have already experienced the psychological and physical of bushfires, droughts, floods and heatwaves.
For some communities and individuals, experiencing these types of events may mean they are resilient or prepared for the future. For others, the anticipation of rising heat or other climatic threats may cause . They may also prompt – the stress that comes ahead of expected loss or trauma.
Anxiety, anger and sadness
As climate-related events become more widespread, people may also become increasingly affected by feelings such as anxiety, anger and sadness.
refers to the fear, dread and worry about climate change. Anxiety can be a helpful response as it allows us to prepare and respond to future threats. For instance, climate anxiety pro-environmental behaviour and climate action, such as attending a protest. But this type of anxiety can also become .
The loss of wildlife and nature due to bushfires can leave people feeling over what’s lost, and about the lack of action to prevent these losses.
Losses could also be more personal, including damage to health, livelihoods, homes, or even the ability to do enjoyable outdoor activities, such as playing sports or exercising outside.
Another experience, solastalgia, is the “homesickness you have when you are still at home”. solastalgia is a type of distress when someone perceives negative changes and gradual deterioration to their own home environment. These feelings could arise when we notice seasonal and environmental changes to the places we love and call home.
But there are things you can do
Heading into the hotter months, strong support, cohesion and preparedness may be especially important. There are also things you can do to maintain and manage your mental health and wellbeing. Though more research is needed to understand which strategies work best, health professionals :
connecting with others, especially people you trust and who support your wellbeing
finding ways to connect with your community either in person (for example, through ) or online (for example, via discussion groups)
being mindful of your physical and psychological safety (for instance, especially during climate-related events) and, if you need it, seeking professional support
taking a break from distressing media content when needed.
Understandably, people may continue to be anxious about the seasons to come with the ongoing threat of climate change.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed, you can also respond to and channel your distressing feelings. You can community-led climate action projects, and and in nature (even for ).
These actions might help uphold the positive links between wellbeing and nature, no matter the season.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Tara Crandon receives funding from the Child and Youth Mental Health group at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
