The nexus of mental health, human rights and sustainability: interdisciplinary approach

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Summary This paper explores the direct and indirect effects of climate change on mental health. It then goes on to describe recent judgements in human rights courts globally on climate change and its mental health implications, holding national governments to account for the mental health implications of climate change. It then explores ways in which psychiatrists can start to influence this nexus of mental health, sustainability and human rights in their clinical practice, in research and education as well as in policy making. This influence can be at the level of the individual patient and at the local and national level. It argues that the lens of human rights is a useful way for psychiatrists to be more directly involved in matters concerning sustainability and climate change.