How to Cope with Climate Anxiety - What You Need to Know

Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, is a psychological phenomenon which manifests as stress, worry, and despair related to the current and future impacts of climate change.

Climate anxiety has become more prevalent as awareness of climate change grows and its impacts become more apparent.

In this blog post, I will discuss what climate anxiety is, the signs that you are struggling with it, and what you can do to cope.

Table of Contents

What is climate anxiety?

Climate anxiety is a term used to describe the feeling of anxiety that people experience in response to the threat of climate change. It is a form of psychological distress that arises from concerns about the current and future impacts of climate change on individuals, communities, and the planet as a whole.

Climate anxiety can take many forms, ranging from mild concern or worry to more severe symptoms such as panic attacks, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People who experience climate anxiety may feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem and uncertain about their ability to make a positive impact on the planet.

The causes of climate anxiety are complex and multifaceted. They include exposure to media coverage of environmental disasters or extreme weather events, recognition of personal responsibility for contributing to climate change through individual actions or consumption patterns, and feelings of powerlessness in the face of global forces beyond an individual’s control.

Climate anxiety has become more prevalent as awareness of climate change grows and its impacts become more apparent. A 2018 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 57% of Americans reported feeling “extremely” or “somewhat” anxious about climate change.

The problem is even more pressing for young people, who will have to live with the consequences of climate change for longer than older generations. They are also the ones most likely to struggle with anger and resentment because they feel like they are the ones who will have to pay for the mistakes of previous generations.

Signs that you may be struggling with climate anxiety

Climate change is one of the biggest global issues of our time. While some people are taking action to mitigate its impact, others are experiencing a sense of hopelessness and despair. This phenomenon is known as climate anxiety, and it’s a growing concern among many individuals.

Here are seven signs that you may be struggling with climate anxiety:

Feeling Overwhelmed

One of the most common signs of climate anxiety is feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem. It’s easy to feel like there’s nothing you can do to make a difference, which can lead to feelings of helplessness or apathy.

Obsessively Checking News and Social Media

If you find yourself constantly checking news articles or social media for updates on climate change, it could be a sign that you’re struggling with climate anxiety. While staying informed is important, obsessively checking for updates can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

Constantly Worrying About The Future

People who struggle with climate anxiety often worry about what the future will look like for themselves and future generations. They may feel uncertain about their ability to provide a safe and healthy environment for their loved ones.

Difficulty Sleeping

Anxiety can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. If you find yourself tossing and turning while worrying about the state of the planet, it could be a sign that you’re struggling with climate anxiety.

Avoiding Conversations About Climate Change

Sometimes people who experience climate anxiety avoid conversations about climate change altogether because they find them too overwhelming or depressing. If this sounds familiar, it could be a sign that your worries about the environment are impacting your ability to engage in meaningful conversations.

Increased Feelings Of Guilt Or Shame

Many people who experience climate anxiety report feeling guilty or ashamed about their own carbon footprint or lifestyle choices. These feelings can be overwhelming and cause individuals to feel like they’re not doing enough to make a positive impact on the planet.

Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety

Finally, if you’re experiencing physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, sweating, shaking or shortness of breath when thinking about climate change, it could be a sign that your worries are having an impact on your physical heal

Ways to Manage Climate Anxiety

Climate change is a complex and overwhelming issue that can lead to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. However, there are actions you can take to manage these emotions and make a positive impact on the planet.

Stay Informed But Set Limits

Staying informed is important when it comes to understanding the impacts of climate change. However, it’s also important to set limits for yourself so that you don’t become overwhelmed by negative news or information.

Take Action

Taking action towards mitigating climate change can help alleviate feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. Small steps like reducing your carbon footprint, supporting eco-friendly companies, and advocating for policy changes can make a big difference over time.

Connect With Others

Connecting with others who share your concerns about climate change can be empowering and motivating. Joining local groups or online communities focused on environmental issues can provide a sense of community and support.

Practice Self-Care

Managing climate anxiety requires self-care practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Taking care of your physical health through regular exercise and adequate sleep is also essential for managing stress levels.

Volunteer For Environmental Causes

Volunteering for environmental causes allows you to take direct action towards mitigating climate change while meeting like-minded individuals who share your passion for the planet.

Focus On The Positive

Focusing on positive stories or initiatives related to the environment can help shift your mindset from one of hopelessness to one of optimism and empowerment.

Seek Professional Help If Needed

If your feelings of anxiety persist despite taking these steps, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor trained in dealing with environmental issues.

Advocate For Change

Advocating for policy changes at the local or national level is an impactful way to address climate change while using your voice as a citizen.

Educate yourself about climate change

This leads us to the final point – educate yourself about climate change and what you can do to help.

Find out how you can improve your recycling habits and the types of packaging that are better for the environment.
Read about different foods and their impact on the environment and consider changing some of your eating habits.
Look into alternative energy sources for your home and consider car-pooling or using public transportation more often. By reducing your carbon footprint, you will definitely be taking positive steps for the environment.

The more you know about climate change and what you can do to help, the less helpless and hopeless you will feel.

Remember that Rome was not built in a day. You don’t have to make all the changes at once, but every little bit helps. Even small actions, like recycling or conserving energy, can make a difference.

Final thoughts on climate anxiety

Anxiety is not necessarily always bad – it can also be a force for change, spurring us to take action. Harness the energy created by your concerns about the future of the planet, and turn it into positive action.

Remember that every small action taken towards mitigating climate change matters in the long run. By focusing on what we can do instead of what we cannot control, we can all contribute towards building a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Climate change affects us all. You are not alone in this, and together we can make a difference.