With a constant bombardment of negative news, and rising coverage of melting ice caps, forest fires, and extreme environmental events, it’s hard not to feel concerned about the future of the planet. Climate anxiety has become an increasingly common feeling across generations.
What is climate anxiety?
Also referred to as eco-anxiety, climate anxiety is a psychological response to the ongoing changes we are seeing in the environment around us. It’s a sense of fear or worry about what may happen in the future due to climate change.
How common is climate anxiety?
If you have experienced this worry, you’re not alone. Climate anxiety has become increasingly common over the last decade. Climate anxiety has been reported to be more common in younger generations, and according to a study by the Lancet, 59% of 16 -25 are very or extremely worried about climate change. Over 50% mentioned feeling anxious, powerless, helpless, and sad.
Symptoms of climate anxiety
Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, but common signs to look out for include:
– Persistent worry about the state of the environment, to the degree that it interferes with your every day.
– Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness about the future due to climate change concerns.
– Difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks due to persistent thoughts about environmental issues
– Changes in behaviour, such as significant alterations to your lifestyle, diet, or habits in an attempt to mitigate environmental harm
Other physical symptoms that are linked to stress, such as sleep issues and stomach problems, may also be a sign of eco-anxiety.
It’s important to remember that anxiety is a normal response to something we consider a threat and many of the same signs of climate anxiety overlap with other causes of anxiety.
Managing climate anxiety
It’s crucial to cultivate strategies for coping in these turbulent times. From recognising triggers and acknowledging emotions to focusing on actionable steps and practicing mindfulness, the tools below offer a pathway towards finding balance, resilience, and empowerment in the face of environmental uncertainty.
1 – Notice when your anxiety is triggered
Take note of when your anxiety is triggered, and identify the sensations in your body and thoughts. Naming what’s going on in your body and mind can be beneficial,(e.g. my heart is beating, I feel fear in the pit of my tummy, my thoughts are racing).
2 – Acknowledge your emotions
Expressing and acknowledging your thoughts and emotions can be incredibly cathartic. Whether you’re speaking to yourself aloud or confiding in a trusted friend, the act of vocalising your feelings can bring clarity and relief. Alternatively, journaling offers a private space to explore your thoughts without fear of judgment.
3 – Focus on what you can control
You can’t single-handedly fix the world’s environmental issues, so how can you channel the energy and concern you feel into meaningful action within your sphere of influence?
For instance, you might explore joining a local action group or environmental organization dedicated to addressing climate issues in your community or consider how you can make environmentally conscious choices in your daily life.
4 – Focus on the present moment
Anxiety is about what might happen in the future (e.g. it’s not happening right now). So focus on the present moment – your breath, the environment around you, and the hour in front of you.
5 – Learn to soothe
Learning to self-soothe and reassure the parts of you that are triggered and scared is powerful. Pop your hand on your heart and try saying “I’m so sorry you feel so afraid right now – I see you and I’m going to look after you.”
6 – Have boundaries around climate news
Searching and scrolling will increase your anxiety, adrenaline, and cortisol. It’s also highly addictive. Try and implement loving boundaries around when and how you’ll learn about climate change (e.g. read a trusted news source twice a week, but don’t sit and pour over YouTube videos for hours on end).
Supporting someone with climate anxiety
When our loved ones are triggered, it can trigger us as we feel afraid of their intense emotions. Help yourself before you try and help anyone else!
Remember that just as your loved ones can’t ‘fix’ climate change, you can’t ‘fix’ your loved ones’ anxiety. Simply being there for them and acknowledging their feelings is enough.
Seeking professional help can help with managing anxiety, whether that is through coaching or therapy.
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Sarah Woodhouse is a research psychologist, relational trauma specialist, and author of you’re not broken, who delivers people the knowledge and tools to recognise and overcome self-defeating cycles, to achieve personal freedom and success.
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