Clinical Ecopsychology: The Mental Health Impacts and Underlying Pathways of the Climate and Environmental Crisis

This narrative review introduces Clinical Ecopsychology, which examines how the climate crisis impacts mental health through pathways like stress, anxiety, and identity loss. Extreme weather, pollution, and environmental changes amplify mental health risks, especially in vulnerable groups. Positive connections with nature can buffer stress and improve well-being, but ecological grief and eco-anxiety are rising concerns. The study calls for integrating mental health strategies, such as fostering resilience and nature-based therapies, to adapt to the escalating environmental crisis and protect cognitive and emotional health.

To mitigate climate-related stress, prioritize regular engagement with nature, such as forest walks or gardening, which improve mood and reduce anxiety. Pair these activities with community efforts addressing eco-anxiety, like group discussions or activism. While the evidence supports nature’s restorative effects, broader societal action is vital to reduce environmental risks. Individual practices can protect mental health, but policy changes are needed for systemic solutions.