Wednesday, 9 July at 7:30pm AEST
Register here
Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the mental health impacts of climate change - and how we can support one another and build resilience in the face of growing climate challenges.
Climate change is putting serious strain on our mental health. Extreme weather events like bushfires, floods, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting people across Australia and adding pressure to an already stretched health system.
The mental toll comes not only from direct impacts but also from ongoing worry about the future. Constant exposure to distressing news can cause anxiety, grief, and hopelessness.
These events can lead to serious mental health issues - notably for children and young people, but also for anyone impacted by our changed climate - including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use.
This webinar will explore these complex issues and consider ways to care for our mental health - and each other - amid the growing realities of climate disruption.
Panellists:
Dr Cybele Dey is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who researches climate change’s mental health effects. She works at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, serving local and remote patients via telehealth. In her research at UNSW, she is investigating ways to improve mental health in the face of climate change and leads DEA’s mental health interest group. Cybele is dual qualified as a Paediatrician.
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Dr Rob Ferris worked for 30 years as a forensic psychiatrist with the UK’s NHS. He returned to his home state of South Australia and joined DEA, and now leads our SA Healthy Investment group. Rob lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and has witnessed first hand the devastating impacts of the recent algal bloom brought on by a climate induced marine heatwave.
Dr Anna Seth is a GP with a special interest in mental health, climate change and women's health based in Lutruwita (Tasmania). She is a member of DEA and a Climate Aware Practitioner with Psychology for a Safe Climate.
Facilitator:
Dr Kate Wylie is a GP and the executive director of Doctors for the Environment Australia, keenly aware of the mental health impacts of climate change and our need to offer solutions to support the health of our communities.
Zoom details included when you register and will be further emailed on the day.