Shrinking ice caps, disappearing biodiversity, fiercer bushfires, heat waves, and flash floods. It is hard to ignore the impacts of climate change.
These disasters cause enormous physical damage. There is increasing evidence that these disasters are also affecting our mental well-being.
Researchers believe eco-anxiety is on the rise, particularly among younger generations who feel overwhelmed and distressed by the state of their environment.
A major study of 16-25-year-olds was published in The LancetLast year, 75% of respondents said that the “future was frightening” and over half said that “humanity is doomed”. Forty-five percent of the 10,000 respondents across 10 countries said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their ability to function in daily life.
The term eco-anxiety or climate anxiety refers to a range of reactions to climate change. It includes fear about the future as well as shame and guilt over one’s consumption. As well anger and grief over what is and will be lost.
If you are feeling these feelings, what can you do?
Recognize the fact that difficult eco-emotions can be normal
In the LancetStudy found that more than half of young people felt sad, anxious and angry about climate change.
Liz Marks is co-lead author of this study and a senior lecturer of psychology at the University of Bath. She believes that acknowledging these emotions is the first step to dealing with them.
She said, “When discussing eco-anxiety it’s important to not pathologize it.” “It’s not something we need to treat or get rid. It’s about how we can live with it and not let it overwhelm us.
Climate change will likely lead to more intense heat waves and fires.
Marks says that this means “giving yourself and others room to feel what you’re feeling, no matter if it’s grief, anger, fear or anxiety. Also, acknowledging that these feelings can change over time.” Even when you feel overwhelmed and unable to control your emotions, emotions can change.
She also stated that although they can be stressful, they can be “a really beautiful aspect of your humanity” and a positive sign someone cares deeply about the environment, other species, and people all over the globe.
Connect with others
Megan Kennedy-Woodward, climate coach, suggests that if you feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis it is possible to find communities in real life and on social media, and share your thoughts with likeminded people.
It is amazing because people can see that there is so much happening here. Kennedy-Woodard, co-director of Climate Psychologists, stated that she doesn’t feel that this is all on her shoulders.
There have been many groups that offer support for eco-anxious people in recent years. There are climate cafes or NGOs like the Good Grief Network that offer support to people with eco-anxiety. They have a 10-step program that aims to “metabolize collective grievance, eco-anxiety and other heavy emotions” in order to help them build resilience.
Eco-anxiety may also be a feeling of guilt about the human impact on the environment
Take a break and get away from the climate crisis
There are plenty of news stories about natural disasters and species loss. Your social media feeds may be full of environmental news stories if you are involved with them.
Liz Marks advises that you prioritize your well-being, and to take a break form media that causes distress.
She stated that “This isn’t about pushing the issue away completely.” “You might want information, but maybe it’s about being more informed and choosing reliable information sources that don’t cause anxiety.
She stresses that mindfulness, while it is not a cure to climate change, can help with stress relief, along regular exercise and activities that allow for you to feel connected and calm.
Patrick Kennedy-Williams, a clinical psychologist, is the other co-director at Climate Psychologists. He believes self-care is essential. It’s okay and even healthy to have fun.
He adds that if anxiety becomes severe enough to affect your work, relationships, and personal life, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Megan KennedyWoodard, Patrick Kennedy-Williams, and Megan KennedyWoodard help people with climate anxiety.
Transform anxiety into action
Studies show eco-anxiety is more prevalent in young people, many of whom feel older generations and governments are failing to respond to the climate crisis.
Marks believes that taking small actions to combat environmental degradation can help overcome the feeling of powerlessness that many young people feel.
She says that eco-anxiety can be less overwhelming if they feel like they are doing something about it. “How can I make a difference? Even though some people have very limited time and very few resources, they can still make a significant impact. This could include anything from recycling to writing [to] MPs.”
Patrick Kennedy-Williams suggests that parents of children suffering from eco-anxiety might consider organizing a family activity such as a local cleanup.
He said, “It is the uncertainty that drives fear and anxiety in young children.” “So if they if they feel like they can play their part it’s incredibly relieving of anxiety,” he said.
It can also help to emphasize positive, solutions-based climate news instead of only negative developments.
“Look at all the action taken by us to close the hole created in the ozone layer. We have banned CFCs. There are wonderful examples,” he added.
All three psychologists stress the importance of being hopeful and building optimism, but it is not up for individuals to solve the crisis.
“This isn’t the problem for the individual. We are all part a system. It’s the wider systems that have created this,” Kennedy-Woodard said.
Edited by Tamsin Walker
Learn more about eco-anxiety, the climate crisis and mental health. Listen to On the Green Fence.
