When we predict of spring, we may think rebirth and renewal that comes with the hotter weather and longer days. It’s normally a time to have a good time, flock to spring flower festivals and spend more time in nature.
Spending time in nature or doing things outside, similar to exercising or gardening, lifts our mood.
But this 12 months, with an early start to the bushfire season, and the promise of long, hot months ahead, we might even see our views concerning the warmer months begin to shift.
For some people, the approaching months aren’t a celebration. They are something to fear, or feel sad about.
In particular, communities and emergency responders who’ve experienced bushfires or drought prior to now might even see rising levels of stress and anxiety as they face the months ahead.
How’s this spring different?
In recent weeks, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has declared two climate events at the moment are under way: El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole.
These events predict warmer, drier conditions through to summer, in addition to more intense heatwaves, bushfires and droughts.
In temperate and subtropical regions, our summers are on average becoming hotter and longer, and winters have gotten warmer and shorter. Climate change is the primary driver of those shifts.
What happens to our mood because the temperature rises?
Hotter temperatures and prolonged heat is linked to aggression and higher rates of emergency hospital admissions because of health conditions, heat-related injuries, and mental health concerns.
After an extreme weather event or disaster, rates of tension, depression and post-traumatic stress rise.
Many Australians have already experienced the psychological and physical impacts of bushfires, droughts, floods and heatwaves.
For some communities and individuals, experiencing these kind of events may mean they’re more resilient or prepared for the longer term. For others, the anticipation of rising heat or other climatic threats may cause concern. They may additionally prompt pre-traumatic stress – the stress that comes ahead of expected loss or trauma.
Anxiety, anger and sadness
As climate-related events grow to be more widespread, people may additionally grow to be increasingly affected by feelings similar to anxiety, anger and sadness.
Climate anxiety refers back to the fear, dread and worry about climate change. Anxiety generally is a helpful response because it allows us to arrange and reply to future threats. For instance, climate anxiety may help prompt pro-environmental behaviour and climate motion, similar to attending a protest. But this sort of anxiety can even grow to be overwhelming.
The lack of wildlife and nature because of bushfires can leave people feeling grief over what’s lost, and anger concerning the lack of motion to stop these losses.
Losses is also more personal, including damage to health, livelihoods, homes, and even the flexibility to do enjoyable outdoor activities, similar to playing sports or exercising outside.
Another experience, solastalgia, is the “homesickness you could have if you end up still at home”. Researchers suggest solastalgia is a form of distress when someone perceives negative changes and gradual deterioration to their very own home environment. These feelings could arise once we notice seasonal and environmental changes to the places we love and call home.
But there are things you may do
Heading into the warmer months, strong community support, cohesion and preparedness could also be especially necessary. There are also things you may do to keep up and manage your mental health and wellbeing. Though more research is required to grasp which strategies work best, health professionals suggest:
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connecting with others, especially people you trust and who support your wellbeing
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finding ways to attach together with your community either in person (for instance, through community gardening) or online (for instance, via discussion groups)
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being mindful of your physical and psychological safety (for example, especially during climate-related events) and, in the event you need it, in search of skilled support
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taking a break from distressing media content when needed.
Understandably, people may proceed to be anxious concerning the seasons to return with the continued threat of climate change.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed, you too can reply to and channel your distressing feelings. You can participate in community-led climate motion projects, and spend time outdoors and in nature (even for short bursts of time).
These actions might help uphold the positive links between wellbeing and nature, regardless of the season.