Addressing mental health challenges during a climate crisis requires breaking deeply rooted cultural stigma and recognising emotional distress such as ecological grief as a shared societal concern. Constant exposure to distressing climate news has intensified anxiety and feelings of helplessness, making mental health support more critical than ever. Effective solutions must be accessible, affordable, and inclusive, ensuring they reach individuals across social and economic backgrounds rather than remaining confined to policy frameworks, said Dr Anjali Nagpal , Founder and Chief Medical Director, Serenity clinic.
The expert was responding to a question by the Yuva sustainability intern on how cultural and social barriers can be addressed to encourage individuals to seek mental health support, particularly during a climate crisis, during the 4th Yuva Sustainability Webinar on Mental Health in the Climate Crisis: A Call to Speak Up.
Teeshtha Bhawsar, a first year Economics student at Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Jaipur, is a Yuva Sustainability Intern.