Eco-Anxiety: Climate Change and Mental Health
Catastrophic natural disasters including unusual rainfall, extreme flooding, drought, and persistent changes in weather patterns are among the horrific side effects of climate change. The global climate crisis continues to threaten all of humanity — and the emergency is not solely environmental.
The dire consequences of climate crises around the world aggravate a decline in mental health — triggering stress, anxiety, hopelessness, and uncertainty regarding the future. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge the multifaceted effects of climate change on our psychological well-being.
“Eco-anxiety” refers to the persistent or chronic fear of environmental doom and is a term quickly gaining momentum in pop culture. According to Grist, Google searches for “climate anxiety” soared 565 percent in 2021. While this terminology may be relatively new, the phenomenon of anxiety and high level of concern regarding our climate crisis, on the other hand, is not. Sparking conversation initially back in 2007, climate change pivoted discussions about the psychological impacts of the global climate crisis, ultimately leading to the development of climate psychology.
A 2020 Survey by the Yale Program of Climate Change Communication indicated that two in three Americans expressed some level of anxiety regarding global warming, with about 42% of Americans feeling “helpless”. Additionally, catastrophes such as droughts or severe floods make low-socioeconomic populations greatly vulnerable to the psychological side effects of the global climate crisis. Mental health concerns, such as heightened anxiety, prolonged stress, PTSD, and depression, escalate in regions affected by severe climate disasters.
Climate change and its psychological side effects continue to worsen, which begs the question: what can we do to combat eco-anxiety? On an individual level, engaging in small steps towards climate action can feel empowering. Planting trees, proper waste disposal, and community clean-ups are a few ways to instill a sense of purpose and commitment to climate action.
However, the foremost way to combat eco-anxiety and psychological distress caused by climate change is by offering support through empathy and active listening. As a society, we need to create a safe space where individuals can voice their fears and distress without judgment. Coming together as a community for this purpose can reduce feelings of isolation and helplessness, fueling our shared commitment to climate action.
Additionally, professional therapy services need to take into account the growing issue of climate-related distress. Being better informed regarding environmental and existential psychological concerns can help professionals provide positive coping strategies for those dealing with eco-anxiety. Such resilience training can aid those seeking treatment in constructively managing their own anxiety as well as being a better support to those around them.
To conclude, this growing intersection between climate change and mental health emphasizes the need for a comprehensive outlook toward environmental activism. As eco-anxiety becomes more common, our efforts to address it effectively must grow as well. By initiating conversation on this overlooked topic and extending empathy, individuals and communities can contribute to a more climate-hopeful society.
