We are aware that the effects of climate change have significant negative impacts upon on our bodies; whether that be minimal from increased exposure to air and plastic pollution, or extreme for example through food scarcity exacerbating world hunger, flooding and natural disaster events becoming more prominent from rising sea levels and hotter climates. (Unfortunately the list goes on).
Yet over recent years a new condition has been discovered that relates to how Climate Change and the precarious future that lies ahead can cause the degradation of our mental wellbeing. This term is known as “Eco-anxiety” which refers to: persistent worries about the future of Earth and the life it shelters. Other phrases used to describe this condition include “climate change distress,” and “eco-trauma.”
How is this different to 'conventional' anxiety?
Anxiety is provoked through our bodies responding to entering the ‘fight or flight’ mode where all survival instincts within the body are initiated and therefore this sense of fear from perceived and irrational threats (whether physical or psychological) causes our bodies to feel the sensation of angst or anxiousness.
Eco anxiety is therefore a fairly rare form of anxiety linked to this process occurring in our bodies as a result of the perceived threats of Climate Change. This form is likely to become increasingly more familiar yet threatening in fragmenting the mental health of many, if the disturbances to the natural order of our Earth continue through anthropogenic intervention. It is a condition we should all be particularly more concerned about and aware of given the mental toll this type of anxiety could have on our bodies may be more acute than other forms, especially in the years to come.
Putting this into more context: Climate Change is a REAL threat (despite the numerous reluctant and passivist approaches of some notorious political leaders stating otherwise), and collective action is required in order for long term mitigation strategies to arise and eventual eradication of the global problem to occur . It is also an environmental issue that as we all know generates devastating long term impacts that can be felt across the globe, stimulating more powerful natural disaster events, causing the disappearance of islands, populations and the extinction of species.
Unlike the current distress and anxiety I'm sure we all may be experiencing right now under the unprecedented conditions the global Coronavirus pandemic has created, this anxiety is fairly temporary as lockdowns and restrictions will ultimately be eased and terminated - even if this feels a long way off. Although parts of this anxiety will remain with us, particularly in regards to people experiencing 'Germaphobia' , the anxiety induced within certain people who worry for future generations and the state of our planet will not be disappearing any time soon. Feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy can also surface within an individual experiencing eco anxiety if they feel their individual efforts will make for minimal contributions to tackling the climate crisis.
It should also be noted, people experience this anxiety in different ways due to personal circumstances. Many people in may also experience this anxiety in a form of PTSD, having experienced something traumatic which was stimulated by the impacts of Climate Change. For example many Australians will still be experiencing PTSD and depression due to the Australian bushfires in 2020, and since California is experiencing a 400% increase in fire extent since the 1970’s, these mental health conditions could start to significantly impact more people worldwide.
“Anxiety disorders more generally vary in severity and, according to Anxiety UK, more than 1 in 10 British adults are likely to experience a "disabling anxiety disorder" during the course of their life. Although no statistics are available on the prevalence of eco-anxiety, it is likely levels will rise due to the Climate Crisis”
How do I diagnose Eco Anxiety?
signs of Eco Anxiety include:
* frustration, particularly toward people who don’t acknowledge climate change or for people not making more progress
* guilt or shame related to your own carbon footprint
* PTSD after experiencing effects of climate change
* feelings of depression or anxiety.
* grief and sadness over the loss of natural environments or wildlife populations
*obsessive thoughts about the climate
these can lead to:
*sleep problems
*appetite changes
*difficulty concentrating
and even heart palpitations in some.
How to cope with eco anxiety:
All hope is not lost! By having an optimistic outlook on the current situation, aswell as the future, Eco Anxiety symptoms can be reduced overtime.
making personal changes with this optimistic mind-set, WILL contribute to tackling climate change in the long term as well as help to ease many of the discomforting symptoms when living with eco anxiety. It is a gradual process that requires small incremental changes which could include: calculating carbon footprints, commuting on foot or by bike where possible, introducing meat free meals into your diets, gardening, litter pick up, or waste reduction efforts.
Other ways of coping with eco anxiety include being more mindful and compassionate towards yourself and others for doing what you can to live a greener lifestyle. It is completely understandable to feel terrified of or guilty for your attitude towards climate change or the uncertainty that it brings, however by acknowledging these emotions, finding the root cause of these feelings and incorporating activities and time within your daily routine to help you manage these emotions, you are effectively finding ways to feel more tranquil and at peace with the climate situation. Examples of calming activities could include meditation, walking, art, cooking or even just spending time in nature and displaying gratitude for all the beauty that currently exists in the natural world, rather than constantly fretting over the future and it’s existence. Joining others in organisations and communities that support protection of the environment or even peaceful climate demonstrations could help to ease some frustration and distress that eco anxiety can create.
However it also important to mention that simply talking about it with friends and loved ones may also allow you to relieve anxious thoughts you may be having and even share ideas on how you would like to work on your eco anxiety together.
Although anxiety can feel overwhelming and defeating, channelling and overcoming this anxiety could give you the power to do great things.
IMPORTANT: Attending therapy sessions or seeking out a medical professional could be something worth considering if you feel your eco anxiety – or any mental health issue you may be suffering from, is impacting your day to day life, please reach out for help and don’t struggle alone
TOP TIPS:
If you are interested and would like to learn more about how eco anxiety has altered certain people’s lives as well as how to cope with the issue have a listen to the podcast below:
Anxiety can feel like overwhelming and defeating. So, by channelling and overcoming this anxiety could give you the power to do great things. Greta Thunberg now one of the worlds youngest and greatest climate activists of all time, has lived with eco anxiety from a very young age and it was this anxiety that inspired her to demand for change. If you would like to learn more and witness Greta’s incredible battle to implement climate justice and how her eco anxiety helped her to achieve so much, we recommend watching this documentary: