MUMBAI: Apart from the undeniable effect on the environment, climatic changes can lead to stress, anxiety depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people. The is the essence of a study conducted by psychology students Esther Sukita and Ashwini K, who received the ‘Best Paper in Genetic Resources and Climate Change’ at the 8th Indian Youth Science Congress. The duo put forth a compelling argument regarding the significant mental and emotional effects of climate change without viewing it solely as a textbook concept.Esther also listed climate change as one of the major causes for farmer suicides and increase among their PTSD levels. The pair also highlighted the high-risk coping behaviors adopted by these farmers as being ultimately damaging in the long-term and a negative influence on their mental health. Esther said, “Any climate change-related disaster will lead to a trauma which affects their (farmers) normal condition of living. It also leads to depression when unable to cope with the trauma which, in turn, affects their performance level. When farmers don’t know how to cope and end up committing suicide.”Speaking on counselling schemes they said, “As counsellors we look at how to make them aware of it beforehand so that they’re better prepared for it mentally.” In the three-day event with ‘Food for all in the Anthropocene Age’ as the theme, the pair chose a different approach and said, “Here we have discussed disaster management on very physical terms, like food and water, but what about mental health? Just because we have food and water doesn’t mean were going to be safe and happy.”