Feeling more anxious about climate change lately? You aren’t alone! Climate anxiety is a real problem. The news from climate scientists is alarming. Even as we’re becoming more aware of our impact on the earth’s temperatures, governments are doing little to stop the damage. Climate anxiety is a growing concern all over the world. It’s normal to be afraid when reading headlines about what will happen as the earth’s temperature increases. However, understanding and addressing this type of anxiety is important for keeping calm as the world turns more turbulent.
The Climate’s Impact on Mental Health
Studies show that for every 1° C increase in the earth’s temperature, mental health issues increase in the general population by two percentage points. So yes, climate anxiety is real. These issues can manifest as a constant, low-level worry or escalate into full-blown panic attacks and depression. People living in areas directly affected by climate change, such as those experiencing severe droughts, floods, hurricanes, or wildfires, often face more acute trauma.
Losing one’s house, livelihood, and even loved ones to climate-related disasters brings the issue of climate change much closer to home. Additionally, many people tend to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. They may feel uncertain about how to make a meaningful difference. Therefore, this can lead to a kind of paralysis—it feels like individual help is futile. But it isn’t! Here are several ways you can begin to cope with climate change anxiety.
How to Manage Climate Anxiety
Educate Yourself (and Others)
The more you know, the more you’ll feel empowered. When you understand the science behind climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions, this can give you guidance. Talk to others about climate change and what it means for humanity going forward. Educating yourself often means connecting with others, which will make you feel less alone in your worry. Remember, we’re in this together!
Turn Climate Anxiety into Action
Engaging in environmental activism can make you feel less helpless. Consider joining a local environmental group, advocating for specific policy changes, or making more sustainable lifestyle choices. Think of ways you can help. You could try: cutting down on meat consumption, being mindful of single-use plastics, and thrifting. You can also get involved in organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund. Feeling a sense of accomplishment around doing your part can help put your mind at ease. However, remember you are one person and cannot possibly solve this problem alone. We need collective action from the world to solve this problem.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, are research-backed techniques for managing all types of stress, including climate anxiety. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, and good sleep practices are also crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health. Don’t forget to do things that make you happy. While your worries are perfectly valid, it’s important not to wallow and fret over the state of the world. Instead, time for yourself and find joy in life. Your distress alone is not going to help the current state of things, but your hope in the face of crisis can make a real difference.
Connect with Nature
If you are experiencing an increase in climate change anxiety, spending time in nature can calm you down. Getting in touch with the natural environment can remind you how amazingly resilient the earth is. Try hiking, gardening, walking in the park, or visiting nearby natural resources like rivers, caves, preserves, mountains, or seasides. However, even sitting outside for a few minutes a day can make a difference.
Avoid Doomscrolling
While it’s important to educate yourself, it’s also okay to take a break. There’s only so much a single human can do in the face of a worldwide issue. At some point, you need to protect your mental health. Recognize your emotional response to news and social media. If you feel your thoughts racing and your heart rate increasing, it’s time to log off.
Attend Therapy for Climate Anxiety
While it’s normal to feel deeply concerned about the environment, this anxiety shouldn’t impact your daily life. If you find yourself constantly ruminating about climate change or feel constantly afraid, consider therapy. A therapist can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms when you feel your anxiety ramping up. You’ll also learn how to change your negative thought patterns and use coping skills. Through therapy, you can find strength in your commitment to a better world.
To find out more about how therapy can help you cope with climate change anxiety, please reach out to us.
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