Climate Change, Covid Variants, and Mental Illness
Claudewell S. Thomas, MD, MPH, DLFAPA, is an established psychiatrist who is currently retired ,, He received his medical degree in 1956 at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and specializes in social psychiatry, public health psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Thomas was board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry... more
There is increasing evidence that Covid-19 viruses particularly Ba4 and Ba5 are increasing the prevalence of mental disorder in the American population. Jackson Mississippi's Pearl River overflowed its banks on August 29th according to The Nation's Health, a publication of the APHA, wreaking havoc on the city whose population is 82% black. Toilets overflowed, taps ran dry, bottled water became expensive before it ran out. Particular impact was felt by the elderly whose dependency on outside assistance is understandably great. Federal and state assistance came late and suicide, homicide, assault and larceny burgeoned.
Climate anxiety was reported by the American Psychiatric Association in 65% of blacks, 62% of hispanics, and 52% of whites studied. Somewhat surprisingly the young (under 34) were more affected than older people. Ba4 and Ba5 affect the striving aspects of personality (conation) and produce depression and anxiety. It increasingly seems that America, and the world, are under siege by ancient enemies that require more cooperation and understanding than we are easily capable of. Climate change cannot be limited to one country or one set of geopolitics. War and fossil fuel use are powerful detriments. If you must use a gas guzzler, limit use as much as possible. Understand the limitations and risks of electric vehicles. Be aware of the politics of power that set men against women, blacks against whites, and blames for mishap any group that is easily visible, lately arrived or isolated.
