Chile climate emergency mental‑health guidance

In mid‑July 2026, academic Felipe Rodríguez of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso outlined how stress, anxiety and heightened vigilance are normal, adaptive reactions during climate‑related emergencies. He urged people to treat worry as a prompt for concrete preparation—re‑organising routines, discussing plans with family, and maintaining open communication—to enhance a sense of control and mitigate psychological strain.

Two weeks later, Fundación Integra released a companion guide aimed at parents and caregivers. Psychologist Andrea Huerta and program director María José Pérez emphasized watching children’s behavior and play for signs of distress, using simple language, providing reassurance, and staying calm themselves. They recommended self‑care for adults and highlighted typical child reactions such as fear, irritability, appetite changes, sleep disturbances and a need for containment, noting these should ease as a supportive environment stabilises.