Mental Health Medication in the Climate Crisis
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Provided by: Climate Junction|Published on: June 18, 2026
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed 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.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Health
Authors: Tova Fuller, MS MD PhD, Psychiatrist
Region: United States
Languages: English
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
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Climate Junction
Climate Junction is a unique collection of information and thinking about climate change and mental health and a vision for change. It weaves together three storytelling and educational initiatives – a youth-led podcast, an e-book, and an encyclopedia – to share knowledge and connect initiatives for the purpose of inspiring and informing action.
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 →
