[Climate Emotions: A case report from Climate Counseling].

Abstract

Climate change has far-reaching effects on mental health. In addition to direct effects on the psyche, e. g. due to extreme weather events, and long-term effects due to changes in living conditions, climate emotions are usually normal psychological, appropriate reactions in the form of solastalgia, anger, sadness, shame, guilt, etc. Directly or mediated by intra- and interpersonal conflicts as well as dysfunctional coping strategies, they can impair mental health (and ultimately also climate protection) and thus trigger the need for professional support. Based on a case report from a psychiatric-psychotherapeutic climate consultation, specific aspects of climate-sensitive counseling are illustrated and conclusions for professional action are drawn.