Climate Crisis as a Mental Health Issue: How the Youth can Hope Again

Families with millennial and older Generation Z parents are worried because the sustainable develop ment of the Philippines and other countries has become a concern. But some companies sometimes do not consider this factor when they advertise their products and services to these families. But this is a legitimate concern for their generations since they will bear the brunt of the effects of climate change. Many people do not know that climate depression is a real problem and that young people feel an impending sense of doom due to the apathy of older generations in damaging the planet. Arguably, the climate emergency has, in part, led to the mental health crisis faced by young people today.

In other words, we cannot separate mental health from climate concerns. How will millennials raise families if they cannot even support themselves? How can Generations Z and A kids study for such an uncertain future? As part of the generations that have given these young people such concerns, what responsibilities can we shoulder to make it up to them? Or is it too late?

Manifestations

The effects of climate change in the country are seen at once: stronger and more frequent storms, higher floods, warmer temperatures, and dying species. The melting of ice has also led to strange diseases trapped there millennia ago to resurface and infect us. Dying species lead to a disrupted ecosystem and broken links in the food chain, aggravating food supplies. With all these happening around today's technologically-savvy, information-driven kids, millions of them are forced to put on school strikes and lead anti-climate change marches, withNobel prize nominee Greta Thunberg as the most famous youth activist. It's no wonder, too, that some are too depressed to go out to protest. What use is getting up in the morning when our very surroundings are being mistreated with a dark future ahead? They wonder.

It's Not Too Late

Better mental health services, therapy, and medication can go a long way, but activism has proven to beat Greta Thunberg's climate depression to an extent, according to her father. He initially did not like the idea of her going on school strikes until he saw how it lifted her mood tremendously. Taking action gave her a fighting chance. It will also give our children a fighting chance, especially combined with other ways of treating depression. However, we must go to the heart of the matter and deal with the direct cause of our next generations' problems. To combat climate depression is to combat climate change. It is our duty to the human race.

How to Start

We can start by believing that climate change is real and being supportive of our children when they decide to go on marches and school strikes. We can demand accountability from corporations and pass stricter laws against pollution and other environmental crimes. We can cut down our carbon footprint in small ways, such as avoiding the use of disposable plastic and clothes. We can begin by reusing, reducing, and recycling in creative methods.

We can start by listening to the youth and seeing our surroundings.