Prevalence and prevention of mental health problems in an energy-affected community

Review of Risks to Communities from Shale Energy Development

“…117−119 health effects related to energy development was performed decades ago, but new advancements in conceptualizing and quantifying cultural attributes such as place identity and meaning allow for a more complete understanding of multidimensional stressor events and their effects on health outcomes. 9,120,121 Decades ago researchers found that long-time residents in communities affected by rapid energy development can experience a dramatic increase in mental health issues, which can lead to substance abuse, relationship problems, and physical health concerns, even if there is little to no risk of health or environmental contamination in the area. 50,122,123 In 1979, in one of the few medical assessments of stress and mental health performed in energy impacted communities, Weisz found that in Gillette, Wyoming, the average resident measured a score of 308 on the Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (scores over 300 are classified as "major life stress" by the SRRS).…”

“…121 Bougsty et al found similar results in a study of respondents in Wheatland, Wyoming, during the construction of a large energy facility. 120 Public health researchers have since re-engaged the relationship among changes to community, environment, and public health outcomes. 112,124 Yet, as Krieskey notes, "So far, researchers have not systematically studied the link between social impacts and health conditions" (p. 1), and reasons for increased stress and mental health problems in rapidly changing communities have not been well-articulated.…”

“…Social–psychological studies have found that disruption to closely held cultural attributes can result in acute and chronic stress, adverse mental health outcomes, and psychological trauma. , Residents in Alaskan communities surrounding the Exxon Valdez oil spill have shown clinical signs of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. − Yet the connection between cultural disruption, spoiled place identities, and mental health remains poorly articulated and has not been quantified. Preliminary research on health effects related to energy development was performed decades ago, but new advancements in conceptualizing and quantifying cultural attributes such as place identity and meaning allow for a more complete understanding of multidimensional stressor events and their effects on health outcomes. ,, …”

Population forecasting and planning: Some philosophical issues

“…Table I gives a few examples of increasing rates of social problems in Garfield County, Colorado during a recent energy boom/bust cycle. In both counties nearly all the public costs for predicted growth had been paid for in advance by severance and other taxes and shale oil tract leasing royalties, but here as well as in industrial bust cities such as Detroit or Youngstown (ADAMHA 1983;Buss et al, 1980;Melser, forthcoming), the human costs Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 1983;and Roger Ludwig, Director, personal communication, June, 1983. of unmanageable and unpredicted boom and bust are incalculable (also see Gilmore and Duff, 1975;Weisz, 1979;Bougsty et al, 1983). The third beneficial use, according to Isserman and Fisher, of even error-prone forecasts is closely related to the second use: forecasts may be used as teaching tools to define and consider alternative futures.…”