How Pakistan’s weather is giving us all a case of the weather blues

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Hello there, fellow earthlings! Today, we’re going to dive into a topic that’s as horrible and dangerous as the Karachi traffic but demands a pinch of humour to digest – climate change and its impact on mental health in Pakistan. You might be wondering, why humour? Well, laughter is the best medicine, and when dealing with the serious issue of climate change, a little humour can be just what the doctor prescribes. Let’s embark on this journey through Pakistan’s weather woes, and its hilarious side effects on our psyche, and explore the role we all can play in this comedy of errors.

Climate change: The uninvited guest:

Picture this: You’re all dressed up for a wedding in Lahore, and suddenly, a monsoon decides to crash the party. Thanks to climate change, Pakistan’s weather has become as unpredictable as a cricket match in the country! Our weather forecasters have the toughest job in the world – predicting the unpredictable.

The mental health twist:

Now, let’s get serious for a moment. The erratic weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and frequent natural disasters caused by climate change are taking a toll on our mental health. The stress of dealing with floods, heatwaves, and shifting monsoon seasons can drive anyone to the brink. It’s like a never-ending rollercoaster ride, but with more floods and less cotton candy.

The weather blues:

Climate change-induced extreme weather events can trigger anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The constant fear of floods or heat waves can leave us on edge, and it’s become a shared experience for many Pakistanis. It’s like a never-ending suspense thriller, but with fewer plot twists and more sweat.

Laughter: The best defence:

But, what’s life without a little laughter? Instead of lamenting the weather, let’s make it a punch line. Jokes about the weather can be the ultimate icebreaker. Just try telling someone, “Pakistan’s weather is like your ex – never does what you expect it to!” You’ll get a laugh, guaranteed.

The role of Pakistanis:

Now, here comes the kicker. As a nation, we can’t change the weather, but we can change our response to it. Pakistanis are resilient, and resourceful, and can come together like no other when the going gets tough. Let’s channel that spirit into tackling climate change. We can start small by reducing our carbon footprint – use public transport, say no to single-use plastics, and plant more trees. The bigger picture might seem daunting, but every little action counts.

In the grand comedy that is climate change, Pakistanis are playing the lead role. The weather might be giving us mood swings, but let’s turn it into a comedy routine that unites us. Remember, when life gives you climate change, make climate change jokes. Together, as a nation, we can take the weather and climate change in our stride, address its impact on mental health, and turn it into a story worth sharing – a story of resilience, humour, and hope. So, grab your umbrella, and your sense of humour, and let’s weather this storm together while prioritizing our mental well-being.

19-year-old Kashaf Alvi, recipient of the Pride of Pakistan recognition, Ambassador of Pakistan Health Parliament, deaf peace activist, published author, columnist, short film writer, Microsoft Certified Associate and IT enthusiast, and a member of the Global Shaper community – an initiative of the World Economic Forum [email protected]