The Hidden Toll of the Climate Crisis: A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Mental Health Impacts of Flooding in Europe

Experiencing a flood has been shown to have a significant impact on people's mental health. However, the qualitative evidence exploring these experiences remains sparse and has not been systematically synthesised. This systematic review synthesised qualitative evidence of the impact of flooding on mental health among adults in Europe. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted to thematically analyse data from six databases and additional grey literature sources. Out of 1199 identified articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria following full-text screening. Thematic analysis revealed that flooding significantly exacerbates psychological distress, disrupts coping strategies and contributes to long-term mental health issues. Social identity, community resilience and institutional support emerged as critical protective factors, while financial strain and stigma heightened vulnerability. However, variations in study design, population vulnerability and conceptualisations of flooding limit the generalisability of findings. Most studies called for improved institutional support, enhanced preparedness and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups. These findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health responses into flood resilience strategies and contribute to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by 2030 in Europe.