Step-by-Step Tutorial: Implementing Greener and More Sustainable Mental Health Care

Introduction:

• Dr. Mary Doti and an officer at SLAM and Clinical Strategic Director of The College Center conducted a webinar to support the implementation of greener, more sustainable, and net zero mental health care.
• The webinar focused on guidance and recommendations developed by the National Collaborating Center for Mental Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Why Implement Greener Mental Health Care?

1. Understand the Urgency:

   • The ecological emergency poses a crisis that affects human health due to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
   • Mental health services need to be informed and actively engaged in addressing these issues to prevent further harm to the planet.

2. Impact on Mental Health:

   • Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, leading to the development of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.
   • Implementing sustainable mental health care practices can help reduce the negative impact of climate change on mental health.

Steps to Implement Greener Mental Health Care:

1. Start with Education and Guidance:

   • Produce guidance and educational materials to support the delivery of greener and more sustainable mental health care.
   • Convene an expert reference group comprising clinicians, professionals, and individuals with lived experience to provide insights and recommendations.

2. Research and Evidence-Based Practices:

   • Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify interventions and approaches for achieving net zero mental health services.
   • Engage with NHS trusts to gather examples of successful initiatives for delivering sustainable mental health care.

3. Focus Areas for Implementation:

   • Organize research findings around principles of low carbon care, right care, right place, right time, care settings, clinical leadership, systems, and workforce.
   • Implement sustainable practices in care delivery, treatment alternatives, care settings, and clinical leadership to reduce carbon footprint.

4. Empower Patients and Service Users:

   • Promote patient empowerment as a vital aspect of achieving greener, lower carbon, and sustainable health care services.
   • Engage service users in planning their care, fostering a sense of community, hope, and purpose to enhance mental health outcomes.

5. Build Sustainable Practices:

   • Embed sustainability considerations in procurement practices, supply chains, staff training, and leadership roles to support the transition to net zero mental health care.
   • Measure and report on carbon emissions to track progress and implement carbon reduction measures effectively.

6. Community Engagement and Support:

   • Encourage involvement in nature-based mental health care activities, outdoor walking groups, sustainable arts and crafts, and social prescribing practices.
   • Establish a knowledge hub for resources, evidence, events, and collaboration to support the implementation of sustainable mental health care practices.

7. Addressing Eco Distress and Anxiety:

   • Recognize the impact of eco distress and anxiety on healthcare staff, service users, and the wider population.
   • Develop strategies to empower individuals, create opportunities for sustainable activities, and provide support to combat distress and anxiety.

Conclusion:

• Implementing greener, more sustainable, and net zero mental health care is crucial for addressing the ecological emergency and its impact on mental health.
• By following evidence-based guidance, empowering patients, and engaging in sustainable practices, mental health services can contribute to a healthier planet and improved mental health outcomes.