Chariel P.

Bano
 ACTIVITY 2 – REFLECTION PAPER ON THE MENTAL HEALTH WEBINAR
Name: Chariel P. Bano ____________Degree Program and Year: BSA – 1
Date: October 24, 2022 Group Assignment: Group D (e.g. Group A/Group B/Group C/Group D)

The Mental Health Webinar entitled "Keeping Our Planet in Mind: A Spotlight on Mental
Health and Our Changing Climate" illustrated the relationship between Climate Change and
Mental Health. I wasn't initially aware of the connection between the two. Do these two go
together? Can one's mental health be impacted by climate change? But as the webinar went on, I
learned that there is a linkage between climate change and mental health.
Our natural and built environments shape us as individuals. Our human experiences and
behaviors are interlinked with nature. What do we feel upon looking at the sky? The stars? What
about the moon? I feel at peace and do not have any problems at all. When I go to the beach, I feel
so relaxed and stress-free. However, what if our environment is disrupted? What if there is
ecological violence? Do we feel good as well?
Today, there is a very evident climate change. According to the World Health
Organization, climate change is increasingly having stronger and longer-lasting impacts on people,
which can affect their mental health and psychosocial well-being. When Typhoon Odette hit Cebu,
particularly my hometown, I experienced psychological discomfort. Seeing how severely damaged
the houses were devastating. It was so hard to endure the typhoon’s aftermath-no electricity or
water.
Clayton, S. (2020) stated that climate change has brought about an emerging psychological
phenomenon termed "eco-anxiety", which has been described as a "chronic fear of environmental
doom". Every time there is a typhoon advisory, some tend to be anxious. When Typhoon Odette
destroyed Siargao's tourist attractions, people felt ecological grief.
Therefore, to achieve a healthy mental lifestyle, there is a need for responsible and
sustainable environmental action. Everyone has a role in sustainable development in conserving
and preserving our natural resources to be mentally healthy.
References:
Clayton, S. (2020). Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change. Journal of
anxiety disorders, 74, 102263.
Climate Change and Health. (2022, June 3). Mental health and Climate Change: Policy Brief.
Retrieved October 22, 2022, from
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240045125
Pal, G. C. A. P. (2021, December 21). Reported death toll of ‘Odette’ in Visayas reaches 262.
INQUIRER.net. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1530200/reported-death-toll-of-odette-in-visayas-reaches-
262
The climate crisis and mental health. (n.d.). SoundCloud. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from
https://soundcloud.com/user-499485249/the-climate-crisis-and-mental?in=user-
499485249/sets/podcast-climate-justice-climate-change-anxiety-and-quantum-computing
Typhoon Odette Ravaged Siargao’s Famous Tourist Spots and the Photos Are Heartbreaking.
(2021, December 21). Preview. https://www.preview.ph/culture/typhoon-odette-
aftermath-siargao-how-to-help-a00378-20211221
Why mental health is a priority for action on climate change. (2022, June 3). Retrieved October
22, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news/item/03-06-2022-why-mental-health-is-a-
priority-for-action-on-climate-change