World Health Day: Our planet, our mental health

Case scenario: Mallam Modibbo

Mallam Modibbo sat on a bench, looking forlorn and demoralised. As a proud Fulani man, he had inherited a herd of about 20 cows which he diligently groomed and nurtured until he had nearly 100 cows. He was proud and content with his lot. But over the past 10 to 15 years, he has had to send his herd further and further down south in search of pasture. The earth had become really dry and rainfall was sporadic. It appears the Sahara desert was gradually coming down over their land.

He has heard over the radio, some talk about global warming but he didn’t pay much heed. Now he is left wondering if that is what is truly happening. His herd has gradually been dying off despite the best efforts of himself, his boys, and the herdsmen he employs to take them seasonally down south. His losses have been from two main factors: First, the absence of pasture for them to feed on. Second, cattle rustlers who attack and steal cattle to go and sell – indeed they have killed two of his herdsmen and his first son was lucky to have survived an attack after they shot him.

Now he is afraid to send his cows on the trail, yet the ground is scorched dry and his attempt at irrigation has not worked. He now resorts to buying feeds from the neighbouring town, but he does not think this is sustainable in economic terms. His wife came over to try and lift his mood, and he smiled in response, but he was weeping internally. He was on the verge of depression because he felt like a helpless failure. He has let his forebears down and he will have nothing to bequeath to his sons. Several times he had entertained thoughts of suicide, but he knew that will bring even more stigma and scorn to his family name and his children. He just didn’t know what to do anymore. He watched in silent emotional turmoil as the sun set over the horizon. He roused himself to get up in preparation for breaking his fast and evening prayers.

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Climate change and our mental health

Nigeria’s climate is changing, as evidenced by rising temperatures, fluctuating rainfall, rising sea levels and flooding, drought and desertification, land degradation, more frequent extreme weather events, dwindling freshwater resources, and biodiversity loss.

Rainfall variability is expected to rise further. Droughts have also become a regular occurrence in Nigeria. They are projected to persist in Northern Nigeria due to decreased precipitation and increased temperature. Lake Chad and other lakes in the country are drying up and facing extinction, as a result of climate change.

The use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal is the primary cause of climate change. When fossil fuels are used, they emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing the world to overheat.

The WHO has chosen the theme “Our Planet, Our Health” to commemorate World Health Day today, 7th April, 2022. Thus, we will be focusing on our planet, our mental health, and how climate change affects our mental health.

How do these changes affect our mental health?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), climate change is a growing public health concern, particularly for mental health. Anxiety-related reactions and persistent and severe mental health problems are caused by climate change and related disasters.

Flooding and extended droughts have been linked to increased anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The pain and losses caused by a disaster, such as losing a house or work, can lead to sadness and anxiety. Extreme weather has also been linked to increases in aggressive behavior including interpersonal violence.

Increasing herders and farmers clashes have also heightened insecurity, and lead to loss of precious lives. Affected families struggle with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health challenges.

What can we do to improve our planet and climate change?

Climate change is real, and we’re starting to see some of the ways it affects us.

“Action is required from all of us to address the climate disaster. By 2050, we need to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Everyone has a responsibility to play,” said Niklas Hagelberg, UNEP’s Climate Change Coordinator.

Here are some things we can do to make things better:

Decrease your power use: Switch off appliances or light bulbs when they are not in use. Switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

Reduce environmental waste: It is critical to keep your environment clean and properly dispose of waste products to lessen the impact of environmental contamination.

Promote greenery: Reduce deforestation and plant trees. Let us pay attention to the ecosystem of our planet.

Conclusion:

Our world and ecosystem depend on our actions or inactions. Climate change has far-reaching repercussions on our health – including mental health.