The effects of climate change in New South Wales have been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviour in youth, as seen in a new study released today.
The analysis by UNSW Sydney, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, shows youth Emergency Department visits for suicidal thoughts or behaviours increased by 1.3 per cent for every 1°C rise in daily mean temperatures in NSW.
“We cannot ignore the mounting evidence that rising temperatures are a risk to mental health,” said Chair of the NSW Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, in response to the findings.
“Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s here, affecting the health and wellbeing of people everywhere,” she said.“Extreme weather events contribute to intensifying anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disruption, and suicidal thoughts, especially in young people.”
“We’re witnessing more young Australians in crisis at the frontlines, turning up to emergency departments overwhelmed and in distress.”
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24, and heat is the deadliest natural disaster in Australia.
Women are most impacted by heat, as mounting evidence has shown climate change disproportionately impacts women more than men.
Research from last year found women experience heat-related losses by 260 per cent, compared to 76 per cent for men.
These losses heavily affect the well-being of women, which in turn, has knock-on effects across society, such as inhibiting female education, labour market inclusion and broader economic development.
Dr Gunaratne adds that heat is “especially hard on those already vulnerable– like young people living in poor housing or in rural areas”.
“As heatwaves become more frequent and temperatures rise globally and in Australia, our mental health system must be better prepared to support those affected. Recovery from climate-related trauma depends on getting the right treatment at the right time, including access to specialist services,” she said.
“Psychiatrists and mental health workers play a key role in helping individuals and communities recover from climate-related anxiety, trauma, and depression, while also building resilience for the future. “But right now, support is too hard to access, too expensive, or too far away for most young people.”
Dr Gunaratne said governments must treat climate change as an urgent public health issue.
“As well as providing immediate support, we have to ensure mental health care is a key part of long-term planning for rising temperatures, natural disasters and extreme weather events,” said Dr Gunaratne.
“This includes guaranteeing that trained mental health workers are available to everyone, whenever and wherever they need help.”
Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day.