Psychiatry is evolving from symptom-based diagnosis to analysing neural networks, similar to advances in cardiology. Emerging tools like brain mapping can distinguish between immediate stress reactions, such as “eco-anxiety” triggered by doom scrolling and deeper, long-standing structural issues in the brain. Neurofeedback, allows individuals to “use your brain to heal yourself,” bridging cutting-edge technology with therapeutic practice. Climate crisis presents a pivotal moment for mental health, combining technology and tradition to address contemporary anxieties effectively, said Dr Anjali Nagpal, Founder & Chief Medical Director, Serenity Clinic.
The expert was responding to a question by the Yuva sustainability intern on how emerging tools such as brain mapping can enhance understanding and management of climate-related anxiety, during 4th Yuva Sustainability Webinar on Mental Health in Climate Crisis: A Call to Speak Up.
Apoorva Mittal, a first-semester Botany student at the University of Rajasthan, is a Yuva Sustainability Intern.