Climate Anxiety
Climate Anxiety
The planet is heating up, here is how you can keep your cool.
Recognising Climate Anxiety
On our recent Easter break to the East Coast of Scotland, the family and I bumped into an old school friend while walking down the street in St Andrews.
We chatted with her and her husband, who had been going to St Andrews for 40 years. As you do in Scotland, we were talking about the terrible weather, and he explained he’d never seen the tide so high in all that time. We'd noticed this too. When the high tide was in, the whole beach was gone, and the waves weren’t ‘gently lapping’ at the back; they were actually taking away the land.
Laura and I have been going to the East Neuk for at least ten years now, and on the journey through this year, we noticed the sparse-looking, water-logged farmers’ fields, where usually they’d be crops and lambs. Later that day, in the pub for lunch, we overheard someone explaining that the area had had 40 dry days in the past 210. This was unusual and caused problems for fruit farmers.
I’ve always been interested in the climate since reading The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery about 15 years ago. And we’ve all seen the disasters happening around the world in terms of climate change and what it means. But this is the first time I can think of a time when I’ve genuinely witnessed it here in Scotland.
If you stop for a second and think what it might mean for us all, it is enough to make you panic. That’s why I wanted to provide some good information on the emerging Climate Anxiety topic as part of our Resilience Hub.
Climate change affects us all, and for those who care deeply about the world, it can be a source of significant anxiety and concern. However, as a typical Joe who loves being outdoors, I’ve realised the mental toll that climate change can easily have on everyone daily.
Preparing for the Coast To Coast Rat Race, a 100-mile event that will test physical and mental endurance, I’m reminded of the importance of mental resilience in the face of daunting challenges. Just as I need to train my body to withstand the race’s demands, we all need to bolster our emotional well-being as we confront the realities of climate change.
What is climate anxiety?
Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, is the distress or worry stemming from the awareness of the current and projected impacts of climate change on the Earth and its inhabitants. It encompasses a range of emotional responses, including fear, sadness, and anger, driven by concerns over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and the potential for significant societal disruptions.
It’s also perfectly natural to worry about what world we leave for future generations. I feel this as a parent, but you don’t need to have kids to be moved by this thought. In the longer term, the world will be just fine; it’s the people who will suffer.
Watching people in power do nothing or little is stressful
For me, at least, this topic explains why Greta Thunberg does what she does. This anxiety often reflects a deep care for the environment and a sense of responsibility or frustration over the perceived inadequacy of actions to mitigate climate change.
Constant exposure to climate change-related information can damage an individual’s mental well-being. If you’re anything like me, you’ve almost given up watching the news. No matter the topic, political leaders feel a nearly relentless sense of despair about their inability to affect positive change.
This is especially true with climate change. There is hope that climate matters will affect how people vote in the General Election, but many problems must be resolved. The lack of meaningful progress can contribute to feelings of frustration and helplessness, further exacerbating climate anxiety.
It’s becoming increasingly recognised within psychological and environmental circles, highlighting the need for supportive conversations around climate action and mental health.
The Impact of Climate Anxiety
The issue in understanding or recognising climate anxiety is that the symptoms are like those associated with many other conditions.
Symptoms include:
- Being unable to sleep
- A loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Weakness (Or a feeling of helplessness)
- Panic attacks
Those at risk experience at least two of these symptoms regularly. And with many kinds of anxiety or mental health issues even, it can be challenging to grasp the root of the problems that really get you down.
Giving yourself a better chance of feeling good
So, whether it is climate anxiety or anything else that is wearing you down, it is important to give yourself the best chance of understanding the issue and overcoming it. This is where mental Resilience comes in, and we’ll focus on this topic in our next few articles.
Mental Resilience is as helpful for people dealing with climate anxiety as it is for a boardroom meeting, exams, preparing for a gruelling race or event, or just the everyday toils of life. I am keen to incorporate this issue, so I decided to look into noted professionals in the field.
Alex Pett is a resilience coach and some outcomes she helps people achieve include the following:
- Being able to calm your fears
- Developing emotional awareness
- Delivering relentless self-compassion
- Developing your vulnerability
These are all hugely important states to have when tackling challenges, internal and external.
Besides building mental Resilience, there are practical steps you can take to cope with climate anxiety:
Connect with nature: Spend time in natural environments, such as parks, forests, or gardens. Engaging with the natural world can help reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of connection to the environment. Thanks to my training, I have all the reasons I need to get outdoors, but even aside from that, getting away from the work desk or taking the kids outdoors for fresh air helps.
Take action: Get involved in climate action by supporting environmental organisations, taking part in local initiatives, or making eco-friendly lifestyle changes. Taking action can help ease feelings of helplessness and contribute to a sense of empowerment.
Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as breathwork, meditation, or journaling, into your daily routine to manage anxiety and stress. These practices can promote emotional regulation and improve overall well-being.
Seek support: When dealing with climate anxiety, reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals for support. Talking about your concerns and emotions can provide a sense of validation and help you feel less alone in your struggles. Consider joining a support group or attending therapy sessions specifically tailored to individuals experiencing eco-anxiety. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help; seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Limit media consumption: Be mindful of your media consumption, primarily related to climate change. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to negative news can exacerbate anxiety. Set boundaries and take breaks when needed to maintain your mental well-being. I appreciate this is hard, and there is an irony in this appearing on a website, and you’re reading this on your phone or at your desk.
Then again, it’s like the TV show many of us will remember from our youth–Why Don’t You? Read this article (and all our articles!!) and then, switch off from your devices and spend some time with others or in the real world!
By incorporating these practical tips into your daily life, you can better manage your climate anxiety and build the mental Resilience needed to face environmental challenges. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always support available.
I’m looking forward to sharing my journey with mental Resilience in the coming articles, so please come back, or why not follow Ready Sweat Go on the leading social platforms to ensure you never miss a post?
Sources
The Economist: Climate will be a battleground in General Election: https://www.economist.com/britain/2024/02/15/climate-will-be-a-battleground-in-britains-next-election
Study indicating 59% were very or extremely worried about climate change: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00278-3/fulltext
American Psychological Association (APA). Psychology and Global Climate Change: Addressing a Multi-faceted Phenomenon and Set of Challenges. APA, 2010: https://www.apa.org/science/about/publications/climate-change.pdf
What is Resilience: https://shore-coaching.com/what-is-resilience/
Why Don’t You?:
FAQ's
FAQ's On Climate Change Anxiety
If you're like us, you probably have questions about climate change anxiety, so we have a FAQ section to address some of the most common questions.
Climate anxiety and eco-anxiety are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to the emotional distress caused by environmental issues. However, climate anxiety specifically relates to the feelings of worry, fear, and despair triggered by climate change, while eco-anxiety encompasses a broader range of environmental concerns, such as pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Climate anxiety is not currently recognised as a formal mental illness in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5. However, it
can have significant impacts on mental health and well-being, and may exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression. Mental health professionals are increasingly acknowledging the legitimacy of climate anxiety and developing strategies to support those who are struggling with these emotional challenges.
If you're worried about about climate change and feel you'd benefit from additional guidance and help, please seek professional support from a qualified mental health professional.
Coping with feelings of hopelessness about the future can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help. These include practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, connecting with others who
share your concerns, engaging in purposeful action to address climate change, and focusing on the progress and positive changes that are being made.
It's also important to seek professional support if your feelings of hopelessness are overwhelming or persistent.
There are many ways to make a difference in the fight against climate change, both on an individual and collective level.
Some actions you can take include reducing your carbon footprint by adopting
sustainable lifestyle choices, supporting environmentally responsible
businesses and policies, participating in climate activism and advocacy, and
educating others about the importance of climate action. Remember that every
action, no matter how small, can contribute to a larger movement for change.
Free Guide
Understanding and Addressing Climate Anxiety
Download our full free guide on understanding and addressing climate anxiety.