The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Mental Well-being

Abstract

Human health is being impacted by anthropogenic (human-made) climate change. This article describes four ways that climate change may affect mental well-being in school-age children. First, natural disasters—such as more frequent and intense tornadoes and flash floods—may have a direct influence on mental well-being by contributing to acute anxiety and distress. Second, indirect effects of severe weather—including changes in social support systems—may affect mental well-being by increasing isolation. Third, children may suffer feelings of anxiety or depression if they perceive a sense of powerlessness to solve the challenges of a changing climate. Finally, school nurses need to be aware of the emergence of correlations—such as data that suggest increases in temperature may influence the use of inpatient mental health services and suicidal ideations—that require further scientific exploration. This article aims to increase school nurses’ understanding of how climate changes may impact the mental well-being of school-age children and to provide strategies for creating a safe, healthy learning environment. This article is the fourth in a series aimed at raising awareness among school nurses about climate-associated illnesses and equipping them with the resources they need to protect school-age children’s health.