Recognising the impact of the climate on mental health
Dr Laurence Wainwright is Course Director and Departmental Lecturer at the Oxford Smith School.
Dr Wainwright’s interdisciplinary research brings together business, health, and sustainability, with a focus on viewing environmental challenges through a sustainability lens, as well as the impact of heatwaves on individuals with underlying psychiatric disorders.
His research is based in the notion that the grand environmental challenges facing society cannot be viewed in isolation.
One area of significant interest is the relationship between heatwaves and mental health.
During heatwaves, individuals with underlying psychiatric disorders face numerous challenges, with rates of mortality and suicide tending to increase, while the heat itself can trigger relapses or exacerbate symptoms.
‘Taking a sustainability lens to mental health gives us a whole new set of insights.’
Dr Wainwright notes the importance of recognising how heat and dehydration can also affect the efficacy and side effects of medications.
Dr Wainwright's research on mental health and heatwaves initially involved a systematic literature review of existing studies, piecing together the story of what already exists in the field.
During the next phase of research Dr Wainwright will gather insights into first hand experiences, interviewing people with underlying psychiatric disorders to understand their specific experiences of heatwaves, especially those in present the UK during the recent heatwave.
The research culture at Oxford is characterised by a commitment and drive to make a real-world impact
While access to resources and data is essential, it is ultimately the passion and dedication of researchers that propel projects forward, notes Dr Wainwright.
‘The first thing about Oxford is just the passion that people have for their research is so palpable. You can almost feel it.’
The interdisciplinary nature of Oxford allows researchers to cut across different disciplines, and it is this collaboration that Dr Wainwright believes is necessary to address mental health challenges associated with climate change.
Bringing in perspectives from fields such as neuroscience, psychology and sustainability emphasises Oxford's commitment to solving these interconnected issues.
Dr Wainwright envisions a future where the stigma surrounding mental health is eradicated.
While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. He hopes for a society where mental health conditions are regarded on a par with physical ailments, emphasising the need to view them as equally valid reasons for seeking support and understanding.
‘The first thing I'd love to see is a world where the stigma for mental health is removed.’
Dr Wainwright believes that embracing intellectual curiosity and being open to unexpected tangents can lead to fascinating discoveries.
He encourages aspiring researchers to collaborate with established experts in their fields, actively seeking mentorship and guidance.
While the research journey can be challenging, with inevitable mistakes and setbacks, perseverance ultimately leads to rewarding outcomes.
A crucial aspect of the future of mental health research is incorporating the perspectives and experiences of patients.
While systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide valuable data, they often fail to capture the nuances of lived experiences and the daily realities of individuals with mental health conditions.
Dr Wainwright emphasises the need to bridge the gap between academic research and lived experiences by actively involving patients in the research processes. Their unique insights and perspectives are vital for understanding the true impact of mental health conditions and side-effects of medications.
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