The environment and suicide – Why suicidologists should support climate change policies.

When suicidologists consider how the environment may impact suicide, they typically focus on the social and economic environment and the interpersonal environment. But does the physical environment have an impact on suicide? It is well documented that there is a seasonal variation in suicide rates. Also illustrating the impact of the environment on suicide, there is evidence that naturally occurring variations in water supplies can impact suicidal behavior. Climate change will have many impacts, including floods and droughts, with consequent displacement of people and damage to food supplies, increases in air pollution, and changes in temperature. These changes will affect living conditions and the physical health of people. The changes will also have an impact on mental health. For suicidologists and their organizations, the potential rise in suicides is troubling and should lead to our support for those arguing for climate change policies (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Source: Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention - January 28, 2021 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research