Anxious About the Climate Crisis? You’re Not Alone.
Do you think you are the only person scared about the planet’s future due to climate change?
One in five Americans report being “very worried” about the climate crisis. This feeling is particularly common in women under the age of 35.
It is important to know that you are not alone in your fears. Greenhouse gas emissions have led to a rise in high temperatures and more extreme storms, wildfires, and droughts. The earth is the only planet we have that gives us life. If we feel like the planet is failing due to actions in our control and beyond, it can be challenging to sleep at night.
Not only has climate change had an impact on the environment but on mental health issues as well, especially with survivors of natural disasters. Depression, anxiety, stress, grief, anger, PTSD, and suicide rates have escalated. As the temperatures continue to rise on our planet, so will our mental health issues.
While we may not have complete control over the entire planet, we always have control over our mental health.
The Source of Our Eco-Anxiety
These feelings of anxiety from the state of our planet have not come from out of nowhere. One source can be if you are a survivor of a natural disaster. A hurricane or a wildfire could have destroyed your home, leading to the loss of your loved ones.
Another source of anxiety can be when you are doomscrolling the news on climate change updates. Seeing tragic stories about the conditions of our rainforests and species decline can lead to shock and grief. Reading too much about the tragedy can make it hard for you to take action.
While you may feel a lack of control due to the actions of others, you could be feeling guilt and shame in your own actions. For example, leaving your air conditioner running or driving a car running on gas contributes to climate change. Even if you decide to live a carbon emission-less lifestyle, you cannot stop everyone in the world from doing so.
What Eco-Anxiety Feels Like
Anxiety is when our body responds to threats by putting ourselves in a fight-or-flight position. Climate change is as real a threat as anything. An increased sense of hopelessness about the changes in our planet is one symptom. Others include:
Anger and frustration for those who played a part in climate change or through inaction
Dread
Fatalistic thinking
Guilt or shame
Post-traumatic stress for witnessing extreme weather changes
Obsessive thoughts about the climate
Grief or sadness over the loss of wildlife populations and natural environments
Without finding control over your mental state, your heightened stress can impact the relationships you have with your friends, family, or romantic partners.
How to Take Control Back
While you may not be able to control the actions of others, you can still make an impact on the environment and your mental health.
Accept Reality
There is no need to mince words. So far, we are as a species are not doing great in this fight against further climate change. There is still a too-large number of people who do not even believe that a man-made climate crisis is underway. Emission targets are often not met, and consumerism is as alive as ever.
It is imperative that we accept this reality, no matter how dark it is. This IS going to get worse. Instead of feeling helpless we can help prepare ourselves and future generations for a different world – but only if we embrace radical acceptance about what’s happening. Acceptance leads to action. And that’s exactly what we need right now.
Choose One Cause
All causes are important, but you cannot engage with a million things at once. That’s how you become immobilized with “analysis paralysis.” Pick one cause you are passionate about: water rights, sea animal protection, rainforests, et cetera. Research one or two organizations that do dedicated work for your cause and engage with their efforts, be it through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness.
Align With Your Values
You can change your lifestyle around by eating less meat, traveling on a bike or walking to reduce carbon emissions from your car. Yes, it is true that individuals contribute significantly less to the climate crisis than corporations; however, living in accordance with your values has documented health benefits. These forms of transportation can also make a great impact on your physical and mental health by activating feel-good endorphins.
You can also make a difference in your community by participating in neighborhood gardening, trash pickup, or waste reduction efforts. You will feel better knowing you are making an impact and building a connection with others who feel the same as you. See if you can bring awareness to your community such as making environmental posts on social media as well as your own eco-friendly group to reduce climate change in your area.
Witness And Appreciate Beauty
If you don’t pay attention to beautiful nature around you, are you even living? We still have so much left to bring joy into our lives: trees, flowers and bees, the ocean and the mountains, an occasional butterfly in the air. Practice simple gratitude for natural wonders to show appreciation for what we are trying to save.
Not only will this improve your mental health, it will also give you strength and energy to continue the good fight. Everyone needs inspiration, everyone needs to know their “why,” otherwise it’s easy to see life as meaningless. Let your encounters with nature guide your life, once again aligning you with your values.
Find Support
Consider joining an online support group or spend more time with people who have similar views on climate change. While it’s important to engage those who are not on board to spread awareness, it is also important to be surrounded by a supportive community that can relate to your anxiety.
Even though eco-anxiety is not a specific mental illness, therapists understand the weight of having anxiety about the environment. We can provide you with a safe space to work on developing skills to handle emotional distress as well as a self-care plan. Feel free to contact us today for a free online consultation.
