Feeling anxious about our changing climate? Taking action can help you feel better. 

Jun 9, 2025

The negative effects of climate change on physical health are well known, but did you know it can also affect your mental health? We’re just beginning to understand how climate change affects mental health and it’s an increasing concern. For example, people may experience climate anxiety over an uncertain future. A national survey found that 75% of Canadians worry about climate change, particularly people aged 18-34.¹ People may also experience grief from environmental destruction and loss of green spaces. Meanwhile, direct impacts of an extreme weather event can cause psychological trauma. 

We see the impacts of climate change every day through local weather, rising temperatures, and more extreme weather events. Our connected world means we don’t just see what’s happening in our own communities but also across the globe. The news isn’t great so it’s no surprise that people are feeling the emotional and mental toll of the climate crisis. 

The World Health Organization is urging countries to consider mental health as they plan for climate change.² The mental health impact of changes may also be stronger for people more connected to nature.³ Given Canadians’ connection to the land, this could mean a bigger impact here. This is especially true for Indigenous Peoples who have a unique connection to the land that includes a caretaking role.⁴  

Climate impacts to mental health will also widen existing gaps in health equity.⁵ Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and drought will make food and housing security more difficult for people who are already vulnerable.⁶ 

Now here’s the good news

More organizations are talking about this complicated issue and working to fill the research gaps. There are things we can do to build mental health resiliency in the face of climate change. Here are some proactive things you can do to support your own mental health as we respond to a changing climate: 

1. Take care in extreme heat. Hot temperatures can affect mood and sleep. Studies show that heat causes increased stress, negative emotions, and substance use.⁷ Stay tuned to heat warnings and make a plan to keep cool. Know where your local cooling centres are, have cold water ready and stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, and reach out if you need help. It’s also important to remember to take prescribed medications. Visit the Health Canada website for coping tips and to learn the signs of heat stress. 
2. Prepare for emergencies. Preparing an emergency plan and kit can reduce worry and provide a sense of control and safety.⁸ Get all the information you need to make a plan and put a kit together at getprepared.gc.ca. 
3. Talk about it. Talking about the climate crisis and feelings of grief, loss, or anxiety helps us feel less alone. Most people are taking positive action to fight climate change. Talking helps us process our feelings and find allies.  
4. Do your part. You help create a better tomorrow when you buy and waste less, recycle, and save energy and water. Taking action provides a sense of control and meaning, fosters hope, and builds a positive self-identity.⁹ 
5. Get outside and stay active. While a connection to nature may make climate anxiety and grief more likely, getting out in nature still helps. Gardening, walking in a forest, or paddling along a river can help you recharge and process feelings about climate change.¹⁰ Plus, physical activity is a natural mood booster.

Together, we can take care of ourselves, our planet, and each other. CMHA is proud to partner with Stantec to help more people cope with the real grief and stress that climate change can bring to our mental health. As part of their commitment to community well-being and sustainability, Stantec’s partnership helps us bring attention to the emotional toll of the climate crisis and the need for compassionate, informed responses. Together, we’re working to make space for the difficult feelings climate change can bring—and to ensure that support is available when people need it most. If you want to do more, consider a donation to CMHA—your support will make the difference.

Help when you need it

If you need help, contact your local CMHA. 

If you are in crisis

9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French. Call 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7) or text 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7). For more information, visit https://988.ca.  

¹ 75% of Canadians Worry about Climate Change and its Impacts; 21% Having Fewer or No Children as a Result | Unite for change (globalnewswire.com)
² Climate action must include mental health | World Health Organization (who.int) 
³ Nature connectedness in the climate change context: Implications for climate action and mental health | American Psychological Association (psycnet.apa.org) 
⁴ Health of Canadians in a changing climate: Mental health and well-being | Canada in a Changing Climate (changingclimate.ca) and The nexus between climate change and mental health | Black Dog Institute (blackdoginstitutre.org.au) 
⁵ Health of Canadians in a changing climate: Mental health and well-being | Canada in a Changing Climate (changingclimate.ca) and The clinical implications of climate change for mental health | Nature (nature.com) 
⁶ How climate change affects our mental health, and what we can do about it | Common Wealth Fund (commonwealthfund.org) 
⁷ Mental health and our changing climate | American Psychological Association (apa.org) 
⁸ Mental health and our changing climate | American Psychological Association (apa.org) 
⁹ Nature connectedness in the climate change context: Implications for climate action and mental health | American Psychological Association (psycnet.apa.org) 
¹⁰ Nature connectedness in the climate change context: Implications for climate action and mental health | American Psychological Association (psycnet.apa.org)