Understanding and Coping with Climate Anxiety

Climate change is an undeniable reality of our times, and its psychological impact is becoming increasingly apparent. One such impact is the emergence of "climate anxiety," which is characterized by a heightened anxiousness about the state of our environment. It is sometimes used interchangeably with "eco-anxiety" and refers to persistent worries about the future of Earth and the life it shelters. Climate anxiety is getting more attention among climate and social scientists due to the psychological impact of climate change on our mental state. It is often described with terms like guilt, grief, and desperation due to an overwhelming sense of doom in the state of the environment.

Contributors of Climate Anxiety

The destruction of the physical environment and climate change communication are two key drivers of climate anxiety. Events that physically damage the environment can trigger anxieties, while exposure to nature can provide healing. How climate change is communicated through various media can also exacerbate climate anxiety​.

Populations it Affects

Climate anxiety is felt around the world, especially among young people. As per an estimation by Friends of the Earth, over two-thirds of young people (18-24 year-olds) experience climate anxiety. A more extensive 2021 study surveyed 10,000 young people (aged 16-25 years) in 10 countries and found 59% were apprehensive and 84% were at least moderately worried about climate change. It's important to note that older generations are not immune to climate anxiety. They might be more focused on the short-term impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather, poor air quality, and infectious diseases, to which they will personally be more vulnerable.

Certain groups, such as Indigenous people living in high-risk regions, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, children and older adults, and people with disabilities or chronic health concerns, are particularly vulnerable to eco-anxiety. Indigenous people specifically view the environment as kin and therefore experience grief toward the harm of the environment. Families with lower annual income, including many Indigenous communities, may have a harder time weathering the impact of a natural disaster, which can worsen grief and distress. Indigenous people whose lives revolve around changing climates face the loss of their way of life and their cultural and personal identity.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Climate anxiety symptoms go beyond those of anxiety alone, such as anger or frustration, particularly toward those who don't acknowledge climate change; fatalistic thinking; existential dread; guilt or shame related to one's carbon footprint; post-traumatic stress after experiencing the effects of climate change; feelings of depression, anxiety, or panic; and obsessive thoughts about the climate. These feelings can contribute to secondary issues like sleep problems, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating.

It is not officially recognized as a condition or a mental health disorder in the diagnostic manuals that psychologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals rely upon. Clinicians should be aware that climate anxiety is a response to real threats and a unique emotional response that can motivate individuals to seek solutions for climate damage. It's important to understand the driving factors behind climate anxiety, including lived experiences with the effects of climate change, expanding news coverage on the topic, and feelings of regret for personal contributions to climate change.

Additionally, it’s important to note that anxiety is a natural reaction when we feel in danger, and, to some extent, experiencing some levels of climate anxiety may prompt the changes we need for a sustainable future. Climate anxiety describes a sense of panic, worry, and fear towards the consequences and uncertainty brought by climate change. Climate anxiety can affect people's ability to work, study, concentrate, sleep, and enjoy time with friends and family.

Climat anxiety should be seen as anxiety, which can become overwhelming; it can affect one's ability to function, necessitating professional support. Anxiety is a natural response when we feel in danger, and climate anxiety can prompt us to make necessary changes for a sustainable future.

Coping Strategies

Nature can act as both an exacerbator and a healer of climate anxiety. Being exposed to nature can provide an element of healing and can rectify psychological strain. Spending time in nature, learning ways to ground oneself during distressing emotions, seeking support, taking breaks to prevent burnout, and taking small everyday actions for self-care are suggested strategies for managing climate anxiety.

Some people channel their climate anxiety in ways that help the environment, such as pro-environmental behaviors and environmental activism. Research has shown that "eco-anger," or anger about ecological issues, can drive engagement with the climate crisis and improve mental health outcomes. Small actions to help the planet can foster feelings of agency and well-being.

Some suggested strategies to manage anxiety include grounding oneself during distressing emotions, seeking support, preventing burnout, and taking small everyday actions for self-care. Taking small actions to help the planet might also foster feelings of agency and well-being.

Resources to Become More Climate Involved

As therapists, staying informed about climate change's psychological impacts is crucial. For more information, please refer to the following references:

References

1. Earth.org. (n.d.). Climate Anxiety: Definition, Impact and Coping Strategies. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://earth.org/climate-anxiety-definition-impact-coping-strategies/

2. The Conversation. (n.d.). How to manage climate anxiety. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://theconversation.com/how-to-manage-climate-anxiety-170495

3. Raypole, C. (n.d.). Climate Change Taking a Toll on Your Mental Health? How to Cope With ‘Eco-Anxiety’. Healthline. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/eco-anxiety

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