Presentation Information
[SY-79-03]Climate change and mental health in forcibly displaced people
*Meryam Schouler-Ocak1 (1. Psychiatric University Clinic of Charité at St. Hedwig Hospital (Germany))
Climate change is an increasingly powerful driver of forced displacement, with millions uprooted by rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity. Beyond physical harm, climate-related displacement has profound mental health consequences. Displaced people often experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, alongside feelings of grief, uncertainty, and loss of identity. At the same time, their mental health needs frequently remain unmet. Access to appropriate care is hindered by structural barriers such as limited health infrastructure, lack of culturally sensitive services, language obstacles, stigma, and precarious legal status. These challenges not only exacerbate psychological distress but also undermine resilience and long-term recovery. This presentation will focus on the intersection of climate change, forced migration, and mental health, with particular attention to unmet needs, healthcare access, and barriers to care. It will call for integrating comprehensive, accessible, and context-sensitive mental health support into climate adaptation and displacement policies.