Eco-anxiety in Malaysia: The untold impact of climate change on mental health

ECO-ANXIETY, or climate anxiety, refers to the distress caused by climate change, where individuals grow increasingly anxious about their future. The constant reporting of extreme weather events, droughts, water scarcity, and flooding serves as a stark reminder of the impacts on the environment and human systems.

Individuals with a deep connection to nature tend to be more susceptible to climate anxiety due to their acute awareness of the ongoing environmental changes.

Internationally, discussions on the linkage between climate change and mental health typically occur within the emergency and disaster management health frameworks, especially when considering the psychological impacts of extreme weather events.

A recent study by Associate Professor Dr Siti Hafsyah Idris, conducted for the independent think tank Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA) as part of its Policy Development Programme (MPDP), highlighted a gap in research related to policy influence or design for enhancing mental resilience to the effects of climate change. For example, while the Malaysian National Policy on Climate Change recognises the potential impacts on human well-being and the environment, it does not specifically address mental health.

Malaysia is familiar with environmental catastrophes, including droughts, landslides, and storm surges, but flooding is the predominant cause of its losses. Such climate-related events expose the country to heightened risks of vector-borne diseases.

The immediate stress on people caused by financial losses and food shortages due to floods is evident, yet the psychological impacts of these disasters require as much focus. The 2021 floods in Malaysia, for instance, caused RM6.1bil in property damages, displaced roughly 71,000 people, and led to 54 fatalities.

Nearly everyone who suffered during these floods experienced some measure of psychological distress, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This incident demonstrates that support tends to be transitory, with families, NGOs, and government agencies providing aid only during and shortly after the disaster, leaving flood victims to cope independently thereafter.

Currently, no mechanism integrates climate implications, disaster management, and mental health support, which can leave affected populations in need of comprehensive assistance.

Dr Siti Hafsyah’s findings suggest that existing policies and regulations concerning public health and mental well-being fail to address the mental health effects of climate change.

Therefore, it is critical to develop an inclusive policy framework that merges climate change, mental health, and psychosocial support to address the post-disaster risk of neurological and psychiatric issues. The aftermath of disasters like flooding can lead to job losses, forced relocations, and damaged social cohesion—each carrying mental health consequences.

Low-income and minority groups, often at the front line of climate change effects, may face compounded vulnerabilities due to poverty, linguistic barriers, and substandard infrastructure. Policies should aim for equitable distribution of resilience and adaptation efforts.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need for Malaysian mental health practitioners to be trained in identifying and treating eco-anxiety, a field still not incorporated into professional training or curriculums.

Despite the increasing prevalence of climate anxiety, Malaysia lacks a policy that specifically addresses eco-anxiety. The feelings of loss or anxiety people endure, including the grief from losing loved ones during disasters or the fear for their future, are gaining recognition as serious issues.

While a natural response to climate emergencies, eco-anxiety can influence societal attitudes and the outlook of future generations, potentially leading to anger, despair, or apathy, particularly in the youth.

Structural changes are required to address the climate crisis effectively, necessitating a shift in government policies, corporate practices, and individual behaviours. This approach aligns with the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) to ensure health and well-being for all.

The cumulative impact of climate change on health calls for an integrated approach, embedding climate risk into surveillance systems and climate-informed response measures. Potential mental health impacts ranging from anxiety to depression, bipolar disorder, cognitive impairment, and aggression are exacerbated by long-term environmental changes such as temperature rise, drought, and flooding.

It is crucial for Malaysian ministries and authorities to integrate climate considerations with mental health programmes and support community-based resilience initiatives.

Successful international examples include the Philippines' improvement of mental health services after Typhoon Haiyan and India's national project to bolster disaster risk reduction and mental health responses to climate risks.

Addressing the financial shortcomings for health adaptation and resilience is also vital. A comprehensive approach can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on human health, ensuring a more secure and healthier future for all.

Mohd Noor Musa is a research analyst at Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (Masa).