Psychiatrists identify first case of "climate change delusion"
Climate change, global warming, rising sea levels -- these are all serious threats to human survival and we should be aware of what we can do to help avert disaster. Still, there are limits to how much a healthy person can worry -- then you might start to lose your grip on reality. In the latest edition of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, two researchers say they've discovered the first-ever recorded case of "climate change delusion." The patient, a 17-year old man admitted to the psychiatric unit of Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, has been experiencing depression and apocalyptic visions for the past 8 months. According to the psychiatrists:
"The patient had also developed the belief that, due to climate change, his own water consumption could lead within days to the deaths of millions of people through exhaustion of water supplies."
That's really sad to hear. Not to say that this guy's psychiatric problems stem from his obsession over the environment -- most likely it's the opposite. Still, there is more than enough doom and gloom out there to get you depressed about the future. Hopefully, we can all at least drink water from the tap without a sense of guilt.
For all the chaotic drum-beating about the global calamities that lie in wait for us, there are unfortunately few messages of beauty and hope out there. If you're feeling like your entire world revolves around watching the polar icecaps melt -- it might be time to take a break, go outside, and maybe ride your bike. I recommend this for inspiration -- it always pumps me up.
It's Energy Independence Day! 
Green Your 4th of July Celebration
The Importance of Pollination - It's Not Just Bee Sex
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-10-2008 @ 1:35PM
John said...
You make some good points. But next time please use a little better judgment in the pictures you choose to associate with your stories. I am a Christian and that picture is offensive.
You certinally wouldn't use a similar picture with someone making fun of the Qur'an, would you?
Reply
7-10-2008 @ 2:00PM
Josh Loposer said...
Point taken. The image is changed.
Reply
7-10-2008 @ 4:41PM
John said...
Thanks Josh. I appreciate your response.
Reply
7-11-2008 @ 9:57AM
frank said...
losers
Reply