The arrival of spring is usually a mood booster. But this year may be different

But this year, with an early start to the bushfire season, and the promise of long, hot months ahead, we may see our views about the warmer months start to shift.

In particular, communities and emergency responders who have experienced bushfires or drought in the past may see rising levels of stress and anxiety as they face the months ahead.

How is this spring different?

These events predict warmer, drier conditions through to summer, as well as more intense heatwaves, bushfires and droughts.

In temperate and subtropical regions, our summers are on average becoming hotter and longer, and winters are becoming warmer and shorter. Climate change is the primary driver of these shifts.

What happens to our mood as the temperature rises?

After an extreme weather event or disaster, rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress rise.

For some communities and individuals, experiencing these types of events may mean they are more resilient or prepared for the future. For others, the anticipation of rising heat or other climatic threats may cause concern. They may also prompt pre-traumatic stress – the stress that comes ahead of expected loss or trauma.

Climate change can cause anxiety, anger and sadness

The loss of wildlife and nature due to bushfires can leave people feeling grief over what’s lost, and anger about the lack of action to prevent these losses.

Another experience, solastalgia, is the “homesickness you have when you are still at home”. Researchers suggest solastalgia is a type of distress when someone perceives negative changes and gradual deterioration to their own home environment. These feelings could arise when we notice seasonal and environmental changes to the places we love and call home.

But there are things you can do

Heading into the hotter months, strong community support, cohesion and preparedness may be especially important. There are also things you can do to maintain and manage your mental health and wellbeing. Though more research is needed to understand which strategies work best, health professionals suggest:

• Connecting with others, especially people you trust and who support your wellbeing.
• Finding ways to connect with your community either in person (for example, through community gardening) or online (for example, via discussion groups).
• Being mindful of your physical and psychological safety (for instance, especially during climate-related events) and, if you need it, seeking professional support.
• Taking a break from distressing media content when needed.

Understandably, people may continue to be anxious about the seasons to come with the ongoing threat of climate change.