Climate change's impact on mental health may be elucidated by Solastalgia, a term describing distress caused by environmental deterioration and alteration in one's homeland.
Solastalgia, a term coined in 2003, is gaining recognition as a significant psychological response to environmental changes caused by climate change. Blending "solace" and "nostalgia," solastalgia describes the pain or distress caused by the disruption or degradation of one's home environment, often leading to adverse mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and somatization symptoms [1][2][3].
Research conducted in multiple countries, including Australia, Germany, Peru, and the USA, involving over 5,000 participants has consistently demonstrated positive associations between solastalgia and these mental health problems [1][2][3]. The research was led by the Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Zurich and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) [1].
Solastalgia is often associated with feelings of helplessness and resignation, as environmental changes are often beyond the control of the affected individual. It is considered one of several "eco-emotions"—alongside eco-anxiety, eco-grief, and eco-shame—that explain the mental health impacts arising from ecological crises [1][4]. Unlike trauma from a discrete event, solastalgia may be more intense in chronic environmental destruction scenarios, amplifying its mental health toll [1].
The study, published in 'BMJ Mental Health', confirmed these findings with qualitative studies suggesting that solastalgia is a useful concept for understanding the emotional responses of people affected by environmental change, including pessimism and reduced resilience [1]. However, the association between solastalgia and mental health problems is not as consistent in responses to natural disasters as it is with ongoing environmental destruction [1].
The findings showed consistent positive associations between solastalgia and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and somatization, which are physical symptoms caused or worsened by psychological distress [1]. Further research is urged to determine exactly how solastalgia affects mental health, which is crucial for preparing the world for the future consequences of the climate crisis [3]. Addressing solastalgia is increasingly recognized as important for policy and mental health actions dealing with the psychological consequences of the climate crisis [1][2][3].
It's important to note that the study does not discuss the connection between solastalgia and the topics of Sofía Suescun and Kiko Jiménez, the N-340 traffic, alternative routes in the Tarifa wildfire, or Siemens Gamesa's financial losses.
[1] Solastalgia and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021). BMJ Mental Health. [2] Albrecht, S. L. (2007). Solastalgia: A new concept in human health and climate change. Medical Journal of Australia, 186(10), 547-548. [3] Röösli, M., & Gasser, T. (2021). Solastalgia and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health, 20, 16. [4] Dobson, A., & Cunsolo, A. (2018). Eco-emotions: The inner world of climate change. Oxford University Press.
- Although the study does not directly address the topics of sports, science, and health-and-wellness, it highlights the significant impact of solastalgia on mental health and its association with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which could potentially influence people's overall well-being.
- The concept of solastalgia in environmental science, coined in 2003 to describe the pain caused by the disruption of one's home environment, could potentially be linked to the field of mental health, given the evidence of its correlation with adverse mental health outcomes.
- As climate change progresses and leads to environmental changes, it might indirectly impact various sectors, including sports, science, and health-and-wellness, through the emotional distress and mental health issues arising from solastalgia.
