Standing on his devastated farmland, Shahid Ali, a farmer from Charsadda district, reminisces about the prosperity of the past:

“The flood destroyed everything—my crops, my livelihood, and my peace of mind. Now, whenever it rains, fear grips my heart that it might all happen again. I can’t sleep at night, and anxiety constantly haunts me.”

Similarly, Nadia Akhtar, a school teacher from Swat, is also battling the aftermath of a climate-induced disaster. Many of her students were displaced by the floods, leaving a lasting impact on her mind.
“Watching my students suffer without shelter was deeply painful. I feel like I failed to protect them, and this thought continues to disturb me. It has even affected my ability to think positively,” she laments.

These stories highlight an often-overlooked aspect of climate change: its profound effects on mental health. Beyond the physical devastation caused by environmental disasters, the growing awareness of climate change and its impacts are taking a heavy toll on people’s psychological well-being.

The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) 2024 report, released during the COP29 summit, has once again warned about the alarming acceleration of climate change. The report attributes this rapid change to the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. According to the report, the decade from 2015 to 2024 is set to be the warmest on record. During this time, glaciers have been melting rapidly, sea levels have been rising, and ocean temperatures have been increasing—all of which are wreaking havoc on communities and economies worldwide.

The report notes that from January to September 2024, the global mean surface air temperature rose by 1.54°C (±0.13°C) above the pre-industrial average. This significant increase has been exacerbated by the effects of a strong El Niño, intensifying weather extremes.

Climate change expert Professor Dr. Muhammad Nafees points out that the intensity of climate events is increasing every year, with countries like Pakistan, already prone to natural disasters, facing even more complex challenges. He explains that the rising intensity of rainstorms, floods, and other disasters is not only disrupting economies and lives but is also deeply affecting mental health.

“Many people in Pakistan live along riverbanks, and when their homes are destroyed within hours by floods, the resulting psychological distress becomes unbearable,” says Dr. Nafees. He recalls the catastrophic events of 2010, where a prolonged heatwave severely impacted wheat production, and subsequent floods washed away what little was left. Farmers, burdened with loans for fertilizers and leased land, were unable to repay their debts, leading to heightened mental anguish.

Dr. Nafees adds that extreme weather last year caused severe damage to apricot, plum, and peach crops in districts like Buner, Swat, Malakand, and Lower Dir. The lack of production left farmers under immense psychological stress.

He emphasizes the urgent need to provide mental health support to affected individuals to help them cope with these challenges, especially as climate events are likely to intensify in the coming years.

A detailed review by researchers at the University of Milan reveals a clear link between awareness of climate change and mental health issues. Analyzing studies conducted between 2012 and 2022, they found that people aware of climate change are more prone to depression, anxiety, eco-anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Khan explains:

“Those with greater awareness of climate change often experience intense stress and anxiety due to the magnitude of the crisis and their helplessness. If left unaddressed, these issues can evolve into more severe mental health disorders.”

This emotional burden becomes even heavier for those directly affected by environmental disasters. For Shahid, the loss of his crops has become a constant source of worry.
“I can’t even think about the future anymore,” he says. “It feels like any decision I make will be swept away by another disaster.”

Meanwhile, Nadia feels helpless in her efforts to help her students.

“I try to support my students, but it’s difficult when I’m struggling myself. Sometimes, it feels like I’m failing as a teacher,” she confesses.

Trauma and mental health expert Dr. Iqbal Khan explains that feelings of helplessness are common among survivors of climate disasters.
“Continuous exposure to environmental trauma can lead to adjustment disorders and even PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In areas where mental health services are scarce, the situation becomes even more severe,” he says.

The University of Milan study stresses the importance of integrating mental health care into climate adaptation strategies. Experts suggest launching public awareness campaigns alongside accessible and effective counseling services to help affected communities cope better with these challenges.

For both Shahid and Nadia, community support has been vital in their recovery.
“Talking to people who have faced similar situations makes me feel less alone,” says Shahid. Nadia agrees, adding, “Taking small steps like planting trees gives me hope and inspires others as well.”

These stories serve as a stark reminder that the impact of climate change extends beyond the physical realm, leaving deep scars on the human mind. Addressing mental health and building resilience against climate change must go hand in hand to create a healthier and more sustainable society.