Blackfeet Mental Health and Well-Being and Climate Change Handout

Exposure to climate-related change and disasters can cause stress, grief, and a sense of loss, as well as clinical disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Climate change can even contribute to suicidal behaviors. Direct and indirect impacts of climate change can strain social relationships and increase risk of substance abuse. It can impact everyday life and perceptions and experiences as people grapple with slow and sudden changes to our world, and even as people process the threat of change. Chronic stress can lead to other negative health effects like cardiovascular disease and worsening symptoms of diabetes.