The effects of natural disasters on a community are not only physical. A new report published in the journal PLOS Climate and reported by Inverse examines the effects of natural disasters in South Africa, and finds a strong link between those in vulnerable communities hit by a disaster and depression. Says Andrew Tomita, lead author on the study, to Inverse, “Our investigation in South Africa provides large-scale empirical evidence on the likelihood of depression among individuals living in a community affected by a disaster.”
Examining data on more than 17,000 individuals, the study found that first onset of depression was significantly associated with exposure to disaster, and that those in vulnerable groups were more likely to report a first onset of depression than those not in vulnerable groups, reports Inverse. The paper notes the negative impacts of these disaster “may be more pronounced among individuals considered chronically socially vulnerable.”
With natural disasters occurring more frequently in Africa, the impacts of them on mental health need to be carefully considered. Says Tomita to Inverse, “there is not enough attention in sub-Saharan Africa or large-scale evidence that speaks to the mental health impact of community disasters.”
And while the study focused on South Africa, there are indications that the findings could have broader impacts, as recent studies have indicated climate anxiety is a growing concern, particularly in younger people.
Source:
https://www.inverse.com/science/depression-risk-increases-after-natural-disasters-study
