A recent study in rural Kenya has shed light on the potential effects of climate change on mental health, particularly among women in farming communities. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the research highlights the concerning signs of increased suicidal thoughts linked to droughts and heat waves. The study, which surveyed nearly 15,000 women, reveals that unpredictable weather patterns have led to anxiety and stress, exacerbated by the lack of subsistence food and financial instability.

In Kaloleni, Kilifi County, one of Kenya’s poorest areas, women like Elizabeth Amina Kadenge are struggling to cope with the changing climate. Kadenge, a 41-year-old mother of three, has had to switch from maize to cassava due to the unpredictable harvests, which has resulted in a significant financial burden. The community health workers in the area have been collecting data on the mental health of the residents, which has shown a correlation between climate-related stressors and suicidal thoughts.

Jasmit Shah, a data scientist at the Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute, led the research and emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of climate change on mental health. Shah notes that the study’s findings are concerning, with droughts and heat waves linked to higher levels of suicidal thoughts among the women surveyed. The research also highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to addressing climate change, including both agricultural and mental health support.

Zul Merali, director of the Brain and Mind Institute, stresses that climate change has far-reaching implications, including food insecurity and financial pressure, which disproportionately affect women. Merali emphasizes the need for resilient communities to prioritize mental well-being, particularly in the face of long-term climate change impacts. Mercy Githara, mental health and psychosocial manager at the Kenya Red Cross, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the rise of mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in communities affected by droughts and floods.

The Kenyan government has initiated the Community Health Promoters program, which includes mental health training for community health workers. This initiative aims to provide mental health support at the household and individual levels, referring those in need to qualified health professionals. As the world marks World Mental Health Day on October 10, the study’s findings serve as a reminder of the critical need to integrate mental health into climate-smart solutions and policies, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities receive the support they need to cope with the changing climate.