In a world where climate change has become a common concern. This increasing concern not only results in environmental degradation and natural disasters but also affects individuals mentally. Due to this rising concern, there are many individuals who experience a sense of ongoing concern about the future of our planet.
This state of being is often understood as eco-anxiety. Eco-anxiety is a form of mental anguish and emotional distress that arises from the consciousness and fear of environmental collapse. It is not a momentary concern—it’s a chronic, often overwhelming sense of dread about the state of the Earth and what lies ahead.
Even though eco-anxiety is becoming increasingly recognized worldwide—especially among younger generations—ordinary distress and concern about climate change and the environment is showing signs of collectively escalating. Individuals are saturated and confronted regularly by repeated bad news, climate change projections, and shocking news coverage about environmental disasters (ex. wildfires or flooding, etc.) and it does seem common sense that those who are aware of and concerned about not only their global future but also their future generations would experience feelings of hopelessness about the planet. On the other hand, caring deeply about the environment is a positive and necessary trait; however, when feelings of anxiety about the earth accumulate, it can negatively affect mental health leading to anxiety, depression, disengagement, and eventual burnout.
In this blog, you will learn more about the understanding of what eco-anxiety is, the psychological impact it has on us, and most importantly, actionable, empowering processes to help us cope with eco-anxiety while continuing to engage in the workings of addressing this critical social issue.
Understanding Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety is termed by psychologists as a persistent fear of an environmental calamity. It has not yet been officially identified as a psychiatric condition but results in severe stress and depressive outcomes. Various contributing factors to eco-anxiety include:
- Climate Disasters: The rising occurrence of floods, fires, and rising global temperatures raises awareness and unease.
- Media Coverage: Ongoing exposure to environmental catastrophes through news sources and social media heightens feelings of alarm.
- Perceived Powerlessness: The magnitude of global environmental challenges can make individuals feel powerless in bringing about change.
- Future Uncertainty: Uncertainty about the future: Concerns about food security, loss of biodiversity, and livability for future generations contribute to unease.
Eco-anxiety is predominately felt by youth, environmental activists, academics, and those living in ecologically sensitive places.
Who Experiences Eco-Anxiety the Most?
- Climate Advocates and Scientists: Individuals who are actively dedicated to the environment and climate-related work are more likely to experience eco-anxiety, as they have felt the weight of responsibility.
- Residents in high-risk geographic regions: Individuals living in geographical locations that are affected by climate change, such as coastal regions or arid areas, have the highest level of risk for climate change-related eco-anxiety.
- Young People: The reality that they will face the aftereffects of a damaged world, a significant number of young people fall victim to severe anxiety
Causes of Eco-Anxiety:
- Media Coverage: Continuous exposure to alarming news about environmental disasters can bring more despair and a feeling of urgency.
- Climate Changes: Repeated instances of floods, fires, and increasing temperatures are reminders of environmental unpredictability.
- Feelings of Powerlessness: The scope of environmental issues can result in a feeling of ineffectiveness in your personal actions leading to feeling helpless.
- Future Uncertainty: Fear about food security, loss of biodiversity, and habitability of particular areas generates future anxiety.
Psychological Effects of Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety has several psychological symptoms ranging from stress to guilt and hopelessness.
- Hopelessness and Depression- A feeling of not making progress in solving environmental issues can lead to hopelessness and depressive feelings.
- Decision Paralysis- Concern for the future can prompt people to hesitate on major life decisions such as having children or selecting a career path.
- Chronic Stress- Constant concern about the environment has a lasting impact and can cause constant stress, both on mental and physical health.
- Guilt- Individuals may feel guilty about their environmental impact, resulting in self-blame and elevated anxiety.
- Social Withdrawal- Excessive worry about environmental concerns may cause withdrawal and fewer social interactions.
Coping Mechanisms for Eco-Anxiety
Handling eco-anxiety requires a mixture of psychological tactics and practical actions:
A. Validate Your Feelings
Understanding that eco-anxiety is a natural reaction to environmental issues is important. Embracing these emotions without criticism enables people to work through their feelings in a healthy manner. Writing in a journal or talking with a therapist can help do this.
B. Take Meaningful Action
Taking positive actions can change helplessness into empowerment. These may include:
- Adopt Sustainable Practices by applying the rules of reduce, reuse, and recycle can be helpful in saving the environment.
- Support Sustainable Brands by buying from companies that have sustainable practices promotes wider change.
- Participating in Community Initiatives by getting involved in local environmental activities, like tree-planting or clean-up campaigns, creates a sense of community and direct action.
- Adopt Eco-Friendly modes of transportation such as public transport, cycling, or walking to reduce carbon emissions
Engaging in Community Initiatives such as participating in environment-friendly community work like tree-planting or clean-up days fosters community and real action.
Taking action not only helps the environment but also removes feelings of powerlessness by leading to real change.
C. Limit Exposure to Doomscrolling
Regular exposure to negative news about environmental issues, also known as doomscrolling, can increase anxiety. To mitigate this:
- Set Boundaries: Allocate specific times for checking news and avoid excessive exposure.
- Curate Content: Follow sources that focus on solutions and positive environmental news.
- Engage in Offline Activities: Engage in hobbies or social activities that give you a break from environmental concerns.
D. Mindfulness and self-care
Mindfulness and self-care habits have a positive impact on mental resilience:
- Engagement in Enjoyable Activities: Hobbies or leisure activities may provide relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.
- Nature-Based Engagement: Spending time outside, or in nature, may enhance well-being, and foster in you a sense of connection to nature.
- Meditation and Breathing Practices: Mindfulness meditation and breathing practices may decrease anxiety, enhance emotional regulation, and may decrease stress.
E. Build a Support System
Having others to share problems with can offer emotional support:
- Reach Out for Professional Support: Consulting with mental health professionals can provide tailored coping methods.
- Join a Support Group: Engaging with groups (in-person or online) with whom you share an environmental concern can strengthen a feeling of connection.
Finding Balance Between Awareness and Mental Health
It is essential to balance being aware of environmental issues while maintaining a healthy mind. Awareness is critical for environmental action, but it should not interfere with our well-being. The coping strategies listed above can allow people to participate productively without becoming overwhelmed.
Conclusion
With the ever-rising climate change concern, eco-anxiety among individuals might also be rising. However. what is important to understand is that it doesn't have to dominate your life. With the right combination of psychological practices and actionable steps, one can cope with the rising concern of eco-anxiety. Make sure you are caring for yourself, and minimizing the amount of doom-scrolling you're doing. It is important to recognize any feelings you may be having about it, and you should develop a community of people to help you begin moving past your anxiety and towards more positive thoughts. Remember, you are not all alone; there are millions of others who have the same difficulty – many are learning to cope, adjust, and change. Small, deliberate actions create personal peace and collective effect.
How Solh Wellness Can Help
Solh Wellness provides a robust mental health ecosystem that can support individuals facing various difficulties, including eco-anxiety. Solh Wellness utilizes personalized tools and solutions, such as self-help resources, community support, and access to mental health professionals. Solh Wellness optimally supports an individual's mental health and builds resilience to cope with challenging situations.
