Mental health and climate change

You may be wondering what the link is between climate change and mental health? After all, how can one impact the other? The WHO (World Health Organisation) indicates that climate change represents a significant risk to mental health. In addition to impacting our planet, these changes will have an impact on anxiety, depression, violence and post-traumatic stress..

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1. HOW CLIMATE CAN IMPACT OUR MENTAL HEALTH ?

Eco-Anxiety / Solastalgia

The first people affected by this impact are those who have the most knowledge about climate change. Thus, young people or those working in the climate field are particularly impacted.

You may have heard the terms eco-anxiety and solastalgia. Both terms are closely related, even used in the same way. However, we can slightly differentiate them.

Eco-anxiety has been a term used since the 1990s, while the concept of solastalgia emerged around 2003. Eco-anxiety can be defined as a distress related to the projection of climate warming into the future and anxiety related to its evolution and changes.

Similarly to eco-anxiety, solastalgia primarily focuses on the depressive symptoms caused by environmental/climatic changes.

Therapeutic Management :

As mentioned earlier, climate change has a significant impact on anxiety and depression. Thus, therapeutic support may be necessary to help people manage their anxiety-related emotions. Virtual reality can be used to expose patients to situations that cause them anxiety or remind them of climate issues. During these exposures, the therapist provides the patient with tools for emotion management.

Post-Traumatic Stress

Climate-related post-traumatic stress can be direct or anticipatory. Climate change increasingly favors climate disasters (major fires, floods, heatwaves), which can leave traumatic sequelae in people who have directly experienced them.

We can also find anticipation of ecological disaster, which itself can promote the development of post-traumatic stress.

Therapeutic Management :

In the context of post-traumatic stress following various types of climate disasters, virtual reality exposure therapy can immerse the patient in some of these traumatic places. Of course, the exposure is done gradually. As with anxiety management, the therapist will accompany the patient during these exposures to provide emotion management tools and work on catastrophic thoughts. The environments created by virtual reality allow for the closest approximation to real environments to enable optimal exposure and management.

Violence

You may wonder how climate can impact violence? Numerous studies have examined the effect of extreme heat (or cold). A meta-analysis by three researchers from the University of Berkeley demonstrated that higher than normal seasonal temperatures increase the risk of interpersonal conflicts by 4% and the risk of group conflicts by 14%.

You might have noticed that you are more sensitive and less patient when you are too hot or too cold?

Therapeutic Management :

Various therapies can address anger/violence management. In the context of emotion management, virtual reality can expose the patient to relaxation situations. Through environments designed for relaxation, as well as accompanying audio, the therapist will guide the patient in learning to manage their anger.

Depression

Previously, we discussed depression in the context of solastalgia. This time we address depression related to pollution.

Indeed, a British study conducted over more than 7 years with 13,000 people shows a link between air pollution and an increase in depression rates. This same study demonstrates a link between pollutants and increased anxiety and the risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. The researchers explain that pollutants have significant inflammatory effects that promote psychotic and mood disorders.

Episodes of depression can also develop in connection with rising temperatures. Indeed, we have long known that extreme temperatures are very difficult to cope with psychologically. Many people fear not being able to handle the heat, fear having panic attacks, suffocating… which promotes depression and anxiety in these individuals.

Furthermore, studies show an increased risk and number of suicides linked to rising temperatures.

Therapeutic Management :

Virtual reality also plays a role in managing climate-related depression. Virtual reality can use environments for relaxation/meditation. Thus, patients are immersed in virtual worlds that are ideal for learning relaxation, breathing techniques, letting go… It also allows working on behavioral activation, enabling the patient to re-expose themselves to various enjoyable situations through virtual reality.

A Physical Impact Example: Medications and Heat

What do medications have to do with climate?

Some medications can exacerbate symptoms found in cases of heat, such as dehydration. Indeed, these medications can affect body temperature regulation. As mentioned earlier, higher temperatures impact anxiety, depression, violence…

Thus, with rising temperatures, it will be necessary to adjust prescribed medications accordingly.

Additionally, some medications can deteriorate with heat (such as liquids, suppositories, creams…). Other types of medications, like capsules and powders, can also eventually degrade over time.

2. THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

Here are some examples of the impact of climate on individuals’ mental health. As you may have understood, the consequences related to climate necessitate new therapeutic management. More and more people need a moment of listening and exchange about their worries and emotions… It is therefore important to support individuals to help them manage and feel better in their daily lives !

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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