Before the Climate Crisis Breaks the Mind - Heatwaves, Floods, Timelines: The Unexpected Relationship Between Climate Change and Mental Health

The mental fatigue that begins with "Another worst news…"

Opening the timeline reveals burning forests, record-breaking heavy rain, and temperatures nearing 50°C.
"Is this planet really okay?" — Posts that make you want to mutter such thoughts flow in daily.

An article published on Phys.org on December 3, 2025, organizes how these climate crises are affecting our mental health based on the latest research. The discussion points are threefold.

1. Direct impacts from extreme weather and heat

2. Indirect impacts such as the breakdown of work and life

3. Psychological impacts such as anxiety and grief about the future Phys.org

At the same time, the article also points out the aspect of "hope." Climate anxiety can not only crush us but also serve as a driving force for action.

Here, we will organize the current state of "climate x mental health," incorporating research results as well as reactions and the atmosphere on social media.

1. Direct impacts: Scars left on the mind by heatwaves, floods, and wildfires

First, the most easily imaginable part. Many studies have shown that people who lost their homes to floods, fled from wildfires, or were exposed to life-threatening heatwaves have an increased risk of trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD.Phys.org

Furthermore, even if it's not an "official heatwave" at the meteorological agency level, data shows that simply having a high daily average temperature can increase emergency transports and hospitalizations for mental illnesses. This is because heat disrupts sleep, increases irritability and impulsivity, and makes temperature regulation difficult due to interactions with alcohol and drugs.Phys.org

For those already suffering from depression, schizophrenia, dementia, etc., abnormal heat can become the **"final straw."** The danger increases for those with limited access to air conditioning, medical care, family, or community support.

In France, recent heatwaves have reportedly become a "trigger for eco-anxiety." Psychologists' interviews reveal that facing scenes of withering street trees and lowering river levels rapidly heightens the realization that "the world is falling apart before my eyes," leading to increased reports of strong helplessness and loss (solastalgia).Le Monde.fr

2. Indirect impacts: When life is shaken, so is the mind

Climate change is gradually shaking our life foundations.

Farmers suffering from poor harvests due to drought, families forced to move due to skyrocketing insurance premiums from repeated floods…. Such realities accumulate as anxiety about the future, debt, unemployment, and family stress, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety disorders, as reported.Phys.org

In island nations like Fiji, entire communities are relocating to higher ground due to rising sea levels and increased cyclones. Being cut off from familiar lands and communities is not just a "move," but also a loss of cultural roots and identity, shaking the mental health of the entire region.Phys.org

These burdens are also pointed out to manifest in less visible forms, such as increased domestic violence and rising divorce rates. In other words, climate change is not only an "environmental issue" but also a social and welfare issue.

3. Psychological impacts: New words like eco-anxiety and eco-grief

Even without directly experiencing disasters, many people feel "worried" about climate change. International surveys report that in most countries worldwide, a majority of people are becoming anxious about climate change.Phys.org

These feelings are called "eco-anxiety" and "eco-grief,"

• vague anxiety about the future

• guilt about "not doing enough for future generations"

• sadness over the loss of once beautiful nature (solastalgia)

and are beginning to be understood as a set of mixed emotions.AP News

The impact is greater on younger generations, with concerns such as "Is it right to have children?" and "I can't plan my career imagining the Earth 30 years from now" frequently discussed in counseling sessions.AP News

The Phys.org article emphasizes that these climate-related emotions are not **"abnormal,"** but rather natural reactions when facing reality head-on. However, if they become too strong, they can lead to sleep disorders, decreased concentration, and disruptions in daily life.Phys.org

4. The structure that "amplifies" anxiety on social media

Here, what many users are concerned about isthe relationship with social media.

A study published by the University at Buffalo in 2025 showed that the longer the time spent on social media, the stronger the tendency for climate anxiety and "climate doom" (a sense of crisis as if society is collapsing). Heavy users of TikTok and Snapchat, in particular, showed high support for radical actions based on societal collapse, although this did not necessarily correlate with support for authoritarian policies (such as population control).Phys.org

Furthermore, past research has reported that discussions on climate change on Twitter (now X) are increasinglypolitically polarized. Skeptical tweets from specific political forces are spread by algorithms, strengthening the structure of opposition.Phys.org

"Climate mental" flowing through the timeline

Looking at an actual timeline, you will find posts with such an atmosphere (summarized as typical examples below).

• "I feel like my lifespan shortens every time I watch the news. It seems like nothing I do matters."

• "My child asked, 'How many years does Earth have left?' and I couldn't answer."

• "Thinking about the climate is exhausting, so I intentionally set mute words."

• "Instead of just getting anxious, let's report that I saved electricity and participated in a demonstration today!"

In the comments section, there are voices of empathy like "I totally get that" and "Not watching too much news is also self-care," as well as backlash like "That's exaggerated" and "Stop posting gloomy stuff."

Thus, social media isa place to share climate anxiety, anger, and sadness, as well as a place that accelerates flaming and division.

5. Why science can say "there is hope"

The Phys.org article emphasizes not ending the story with "climate change negatively impacts mental health."

According to research,

• energy conservation and recycling at home

• reducing car travel and using walking, cycling, or public transportation

• participating in local environmental activities and policy proposals

are actions that those who take them tend to have higher life satisfaction.Phys.org

This is thought to be because of a shift from a sense of helplessness, "I can't do anything," to a sense of self-efficacy, "I am making a small but definite change."

Another study also showed that when exposed to information about the climate crisis through media, those who could imagine "what they and their community can do" were more likely to take action, and their mental health was more stable.PMC

6. Four tips to protect "climate mental"

So, how can we protect our minds while facing climate change?
Based on research results and practical examples shared on social media, we summarize four points.

① Name your emotions

Turning "vague unease" into

• anxiety

• grief

• anger

• guilt

and other specific words can make it easier to organize your feelings. Confiding in trusted friends or family, online communities, or counselors is said to be effective in reducing climate anxiety.AP News

② Design your relationship with information

Overindulging in news amplifies anxiety and helplessness.

• "Check only