New data reveals that climate change and extreme weather events can have a direct impact on people's mental health.
Research from Imperial College, London, shows that there is a clear link between rising temperatures and suicide, with data showing that the number of suicides increases by 1% for every 1°C rise in temperature.
“This really shows that there is a direct correlation between natural disasters, climate change and mental health,” said Matt Friesen of Western Financial Group.
Friesen said this correlation has something to do with “environmental anxiety,” which causes people to worry about the effects of floods, wildfires, evacuations and natural disasters.
“These things are bothering people, is this our norm now? Is it something we experience all the time?” he said.
More people seeking help
Friesen said since 2019, he's seen an increase in people seeking mental health help.
He noted that in 2022, Canadian life and health insurers paid out about $650 million in claims related to mental health support, double the amount paid in 2019.
“More and more employers are facing pressure to solicit offers from their employees. [mental health support]”Because unlike basic health insurance, going to a psychologist or an employee assistance program or talking to someone is not free. It's actually quite expensive,” he said.
On the bright side, more employers are offering mental health insurance because more people are seeking it, Friesen added.
– With files from CTV's Rachel Lagasse.
