6 Strategies To Manage Climate Anxiety

What is anxiety related to climate change?

The term “climate anxiety,” or “eco-anxiety,” describes unpleasant emotions pertaining to the effects of climate change. Anxiety over one’s safety or well-being, a sense of helplessness, and uncertainty are common causes of this kind of misery. Climate change is more widespread, persistent, and frequently intangible than other stresses, which are frequently personal. This means that people from all areas of life could be impacted by climate fear. In fact, almost two-thirds of Americans report having worry related to climate change, per an American Psychological Association poll.

How might mental health be affected by climate change?

Emotions such as sadness, anger, shame, loss, remorse, helplessness, and exhaustion can all be triggered by climate change. Numerous things might cause these emotions, including as immediate effects (such losing one’s home or source of income), global vicarious experiences, or anxiety over existential or future dangers.

We can benefit from knowing how to handle climate fear by:
Sit with our emotions and the problems we are facing.
Prevent allowing our anxieties and emotions to consume us.
Prevent weariness and burnout
Maintain our daily routines and find happiness in them.
Continue to take action against climate change.
Give yourself hope for the future with these strategies for acquiring constructive coping mechanisms related to climate change.

Pay Attention To What You Can Manage:

A complicated topic is climate change. Remember that no one person, group, or country can address climate change on their own. This may be discouraging, but it’s also a helpful reminder to concentrate on the things you can manage rather than the things outside of your control.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that, regardless of our actions, we are all small pieces in a bigger picture. For example, it can be useful to keep in mind that agriculture occupies 80% of the Colorado River Basin if water conservation is a priority. Rather than criticizing yourself for taking a long shower or brushing your teeth while the faucet is running, try to see these behaviors as opportunities for you to practice the habits that will be necessary for all of us to learn in order to create a more sustainable future.

Steer Clear Of Overload

Overcommitting to a number of climate projects or causes can become cumbersome and increase the risk of burnout. Try concentrating your attention, energy, and efforts on the things and causes that are most important to you instead. For example, you could decide to organize around water conservation, sustainable agriculture, or greenhouse gas reduction. You can find balance, keep your enthusiasm, and lessen your overall stress by concentrating on a small number of problems.

Giving up the need to say yes to everything is another crucial step in deciding what causes you wish to support. Put more emphasis on the things that you believe will have the biggest influence and meaning for you. This could imply that you decide to take part in a march or demonstration but decline to serve as one of the primary event organizers. In a similar vein, although acknowledging that you probably won’t be able to reach everyone, you can call particular legislators to urge them to take action on particular issues.

Show Compassion

It’s critical that we address difficult circumstances or feelings with kindness and compassion for both other people and ourselves. For example, it might not always be possible to recycle everything that can be recycled. Emotional upheaval can make it challenging to move forward, so stop beating yourself up over it or fretting that you might be doing more.

Rather, always remember to look after your own mental health and allow yourself time to deal with uncomfortable feelings in a nonjudgmental manner. It can be helpful to identify and acknowledge the precise feelings you are going through right now. Sayings like “I am feeling disappointed” or “I am feeling hurt,” for example, can be beneficial. This can assist you in making sense of your feelings, particularly if you’re feeling a range of emotions at once.

Give Up On Climate News For A While

Anxiety can be increased by constantly browsing through social media and news articles about climate change or by following accounts that focus on the issue. It could be a good idea to take a break if you begin to feel overtaken by global events or news updates. Remind yourself that all those news articles, updates, and details will still be available when you’re ready to get back involved if you feel under pressure to stay informed. It’s also critical to remember that you don’t have to be connected in all the time and that even if you take a few hours, days, or weeks off, nothing will change.

Recall That You Are Not By Yourself

It’s simple to become engrossed in all the “bad” news that surrounds climate change, but it’s also critical to keep in mind that many people are working to find solutions, and that both positive and constructive change are possible. You can feel more connected, supported, and inspired to keep acting if you can find a group of individuals who share your passions and feelings. Making connections with other people can also support the development of optimism for the future. It takes optimism and witnessing others’ belief in the possibility of change to continue the necessary work.

Share Your Feelings with Someone

You don’t have to experience climate anxiety alone; it’s a very real feeling. It can be beneficial to talk to someone about your sentiments if they begin to interfere with your life or your capacity to function on a daily basis. Making contact with a friend, relative, or mental health professional can assist you in processing your emotions and practicing coping mechanisms.