Mental Health Medication in the Climate Crisis
Articles/Websites
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APEarth and Space Sciences, Health
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Climate Junction
What it is
- This article explains how climate change, and extreme heat in particular, can reduce the effectiveness of mental health medications and increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
- Students learn how extreme weather can disrupt the creation, storage, supply, and transportation of medications.
Teaching tips
Preparation:
- Before assigning, review the article's mental health topics and prepare support resources in case any students find the content sensitive.
Classroom Implementation:
- Pair the article with a class discussion on how environmental conditions can intersect with personal and public health.
- Consider adjusting the article's reading level for your students, as it is written at a college-level.
- Use this article as a jumping-off point to explore and evaluate your local government's extreme weather protocols for maintaining public health.
Related Resources:
- To further explore the health impacts of extreme heat, tie the article to this one about the health risks of humid heat.
From the scientist review
This article discusses some of the potential problems people taking certain mental health medications may experience as climate change impacts intensify. The problems primarily involve extreme heat. The article highlights specific medications and conditions that may be most affected. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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