WEATHER FATIGUE
If recent climate events are taking their toll, you’re not alone
As the great Dolly Parton once said, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” From country stars to classic poets, the link between the weather and our emotions has been explored since time began.
Science agrees that the climate really can change our mood. Clinical psychologist Jaimie Bloch says one well-known example is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
“This disorder can cause fatigue, social withdrawal and depression in climates where there is less sunlight in the day (typically during winter months when the days are shorter),” she explains.
WHAT’S CHANGED?
While many of these discoveries have been long known, Bloch says what’s recently changed is the increase in extreme weather events. “Allianz’s research has shown that Australians are feeling ‘fatigued’ about recent weather events, which is leading them to put weather preparedness on hold,” she explains.
“This is not an uncommon response and can be linked to the psychology of denial, where we choose to avoid something that causes us to feel stressed or anxious. This can put a lot of pressure and mental load on us and can eventually lead to weather fatigue.”
While that can be daunting, Bloch says preparing for these events can help ease that mental load. Here are some tips:
• Keep up to date with The Bureau of Meteorology’s weather forecasts and warnings, so you can prepare and respond in a timely manner.
• Evaluate your risk by speaking to a local council or SES to find out if you are in an area prone to severe weather.
• Keep up with regular housekeeping all year round, from clearing gutters, checking for and sealing leaks or removing debris and clutter.
• Secure vehicles or outdoor items that could be blown away by wind or damaged by storms, fire or floods.
• Gather all important documents and house them on a cloud-based service or provide copies to friends and family members.
• Review your insurance policy to ensure you have the right level of cover in place and make sure you review this regularly.
• Talk to your friends and family or a health professional about any anxiety or extreme emotions you are feeling towards the weather, especially if you are a person who has been affected by extreme weather events.
• Finally, have an emergency plan in place, including a first aid kit, food and water supplies, as well as a portable charger and a torch with fresh batteries.