Investigating associations between climate change anxiety and mental health impact on vulnerable populations: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Climate anxiety has a negative impact on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of the vulnerable population. The goal is to  assess many factors that affect mental health and psychological wellbeing, as well as how climate change affects mental health in Pakistan's vulnerable population. This study provides evidence-based insights on the long- and medium-term impacts of extreme weather events on mental health. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of 72 students aged 10–16 years, employing an  exploratory qualitative design. The resulting process identified themes and questions for future research on climate change and its  psychological effects on children's mental health. As a result, positive emotions embedded in children's climatestrategic actions in parent  and community contexts helped to mitigate children's perceptions of negative emotions (such as climate anxiety, phobias, fear,  sleep disorders, depression, sadness, and substance abuse). Climate change's effects can have a significant impact on mental health. We  will be discussing effective strategies to address the expected mental health issues among children caused by climate change. The  discussion paper offers a set of recommendations for addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, including improving  mental health support systems, integrating climate change education into services, and developing targeted interventions for vulnerable  populations.