The climate crisis is a stark reality that we are reminded of every day in the news and on social media. Natural disasters, rising sea levels and carbon emission are regularly in the news as we struggle to counteract the effects of climate change. This is a worry for us all, but for some people it can cause acute anxiety, which has given rise to the term eco—anxiety.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco anxiety is a condition, a form of anxiety that can be seen as a chronic fear of environmental disaster that comes from observing the devastating impact of climate change on our planet. The symptoms of eco-anxiety range from stress, nervousness and problems sleeping, to intense feelings of suffocation, helplessness or depression.

Sufferers may also feel a strong sense of guilt about the situation that the planet is facing which can be exacerbated by being a parent, worrying about what it will be like for their children. Cases are rising globally, particularly in children and young people as they worry about the planet they will inherit and what it may mean for their future.

How to manage eco-anxiety

The best way to manage eco-anxiety is to take positive action, which can help reduce the feelings of anxiety and powerlessness.

Environmental action

Getting involved in addressing some of the problems we face may help reduce anxiety. This could be getting involved at home, with projects in the local community, raising awareness or getting in global projects. By engaging in environmental action and working alongside people who share the same concerns can help you feel more in control, that you are contributing and it will give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns with like-minded people.

Education

Getting accurate information about the environment may help reduce feelings of anxiety. The situation is dire, but there is also a lot sensational information online, in the news and on social media which, taken out of context, may increase anxiety.

Using trustworthy and credible sources to find out about the environment, which are presented in a factual way, may help you gain perspective and a sense of the wider picture.

Connecting with nature

Spending more time in nature can help you feel more connected to the earth which may help you control your fears. Being outdoors and in nature can benefit your sense of wellbeing and are proven to help with anxiety. Combining this time outdoors with exercise or environmental activities (such as clearing a beach, planting trees or recycling) may help you feel connected and more in empowered to help.

Knowing when to disengage

With 24 hour news and social media feeding us with a constant stream of information, it is easy to get lost in the flood of negativity which can make you feel overwhelmed and powerless. Unplugging from social media and news feeds will help you take back control of the information you are consuming and can help reduce feelings of anxiety. It may be an idea to choose a few reliable sources of information and give yourself a time limit on what you read and watch to help you control the amount of information you take in.

If you or your close family are struggling with environmental anxiety, please contact me for more information about how psychotherapy in Surrey and online can help.