Multiple exposures to climate disasters lead to worse mental health outcomes, study finds

Study Shows Repeated Exposure to Climate Disasters Leads to Worsened Mental Health

According to new research from the University of Melbourne, repeated exposure to climate disasters leads to worsened mental health with slower recovery times. The study reveals that mental health deteriorates even further when individuals experience multiple climate disasters within a short time frame, such as one or two years apart.

The longitudinal study examined individuals across Australia who have faced repeated exposure to disasters like floods, bushfires, or cyclones. Published in The Lancet Public Health, the study analyzed data from 2009 to 2019.

The researchers are advocating for changes in how communities are supported after experiencing multiple disasters. This includes implementing a new screening process for general practitioners (GPs) and enhancing disaster recovery support planning.

Dr. Claire Leppold, Research Fellow in Community Resilience at the University of Melbourne, highlighted the need for improved support systems, stating, “Future generations are expected to face multiple disasters in their lifetimes, which underscores the importance of effective recovery strategies and support services.”

The study involved over 1,500 individuals exposed to at least one disaster, comparing their mental health outcomes to 3,880 Australians with similar sociodemographic backgrounds who did not experience disasters during the same period.

Professor Lisa Gibbs, Director of the Disaster, Climate, and Adversity Unit at the University of Melbourne, emphasized the critical importance of understanding the public health implications of repeated disaster exposures in a world impacted by climate change. She noted that the study’s detailed findings can guide necessary changes in disaster planning and recovery services.