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As temperatures rise and natural disasters become more unpredictable, a growing number of Americans are acknowledging the psychological toll of climate change, according to a new survey.

Conducted at the end of May, the poll surveyed over 2,200 adults, with 53% indicating they believe global warming significantly affects Americans' mental health. This marks an increase from 48% in a similar poll conducted in 2022, as reported by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which sponsored the study.

"As psychiatrists, we know our mental state is not immune to these weather changes, and we also know that certain communities are disproportionately impacted," APA President Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan said. "I would encourage those who feel overwhelmed to remember that there is still hope in the solutions we can adopt as individuals and on a more global scale."

Beyond mental health, climate change impacts are felt across various aspects of life. According to the poll, 39% of respondents noted its effects on food access, while 37% cited financial strain. Additionally, significant percentages reported impacts on family (36%), housing (34%), neighborhood conditions (25%), career prospects (26%), and educational pursuits (24%).

Age demographics revealed stark contrasts: a majority of respondents aged 18-34 attributed climate change to both mental (53%) and physical health concerns (52%), whereas fewer than 25% of adults aged 65 and older reported any significant impacts on their lives, UPI reported.

Ethnicity also played a role in perceptions, with Black and Hispanic Americans more likely than White respondents to acknowledge the mental health impacts of climate change (27%, 26%, and 21%, respectively).

Against the backdrop of an election year, the survey reflected significant apprehension about governmental responses to climate threats. Fifty-four percent of respondents expressed concerns over the government's handling of climate change, with 21% describing themselves as "very anxious" about these efforts.