Mental Health Medication in the Climate Crisis
Provided by: Climate Junction|Published on: June 18, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Health
Authors: Tova Fuller, MS MD PhD, Psychiatrist
Location: North America > United States
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 →
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 →
Synopsis
- 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 Materials
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.
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.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
