How To Manage Climate Anxiety
While many societies are only starting to take mental health as seriously as physical health, the looming Climate Crisis is bringing with it a new wave of worry, stress and depression in the form of climate anxiety.
The condition has been recognised and defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.”
Considering all we know about the anticipated displacement of 1.2 billion people due to the Climate Crisis by 2050 – alongside more floods, droughts, wildfires, crop failures, rising sea levels, mass extinctions and the prospect of more pandemics – it’s easy to see why climate anxiety is becoming more common.
If this is describing you, you’re not alone.
In fact, a 2020 survey by the APA found that two-thirds of respondents reported at least a little climate anxiety, while more than a quarter regularly felt a lot of stress relating to it, with those aged 18-34 reporting the highest levels of climate-related anxiety.
However, today’s article isn’t focused on reiterating the doom and gloom that worsens our climate anxiety, but instead seeks to give you some simple steps to tackle it – from practical quick-fixes, to long-term action.
If this is describing you, you’re not alone.
In fact, a 2020 survey by the APA found that two-thirds of respondents reported at least a little climate anxiety, while more than a quarter regularly felt a lot of stress relating to it, with those aged 18-34 reporting the highest levels of climate-related anxiety.
However, today’s article isn’t focused on reiterating the doom and gloom that worsens our climate anxiety, but instead seeks to give you some simple steps to tackle it – from practical quick-fixes, to long-term action.
Be In Nature
This is a quick and easy one that is incredibly underrated: go outside.
Find a bit of nature that you can nurture.
If you don’t have access to a garden, field or beach, try focusing instead on a park or even a single tree where birds congregate.
Something as simple as feeding the birds or tending to plants can make a difference, and you can notice your impact over time as local bird populations and flowers flourish.
Not only will this show you that you can make a difference, but it will get you out into fresh air and get those endorphins flowing.
A quick walk or feeding the birds can genuinely help. Credit: Tom Spencer
Find allies
Climate anxiety can often leave you feeling pretty isolated, especially when those with the biggest emissions and the greatest power to change – governments and corporations – have been blasé about taking the same amount of climate action and ownership as individuals.
However, you’re not alone.
There have never been more climate activists and allies, and there are incredible organisations where you can meet like-minded people who share your fears and desire for action.
In Ireland, we’d recommend:
These organisations not only have like-minded people, but also plenty of great resources to help you, your family and your friends to live more sustainably, and can help you move from anxiety to action.
Take Action
This past year has been harder than ever for direct action against those with the power to address the Climate Crisis, with the necessary need to stay at home to stem the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Combined, agriculture and transport account for 54% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Credit: CIE
However, there are still ways to take action at home. And action is a great way to feel less helpless and to wrestle back control. It also addresses the natural feelings of guilt we have when we see incredible climate action representatives like Greta Thunberg and know we can, or want, to step up and do more.
If you want to make changes in your life, start by measuring your carbon footprint to find out where you can make the biggest impact.
It is unlikely that you’ll be able to change the world on your own, so joining the groups listed above to participate in their events and spread the word can help.
Limit News But Increase Learning
The news cycle will pick up and drop climate-related stories week-in week-out, but they can leave a lasting imprint on you and your mental health.
While it is good to stay informed about the climate crisis, feeling bombarded by a tidal wave of bad news can quickly have you feeling down and struggling to stay on top of your mental health.
There is, however, a compromise.
Try reading books by great thinkers and informed people of our time.
A recommended reading list includes: Feral, by George Monbiot, This Is Not A Drill by Extinction Rebellion, How To Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum, and This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein.
Also don’t overlook the mental health benefits of switching off by watching a film, TV show, playing a game or doing something that puts you at ease. Solving the Climate Crisis is a marathon, not a sprint (sadly) and it’s important you avoid burnout.
“Yes, we are hypocrites. Because we are embedded in the systems we contest, and life is complicated, no one has ever achieved moral purity. The choice we face is not between hypocrisy and purity, but between hypocrisy and cynicism”
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to improve mental health and give you the tools to challenge and change unhelpful behaviours.
This can give you the coping strategies you need to spot when climate anxiety is flaring up and threatens to engulf you – turning negative patterns into a process that can be undone through practical steps.
While, as with all therapy, we’d recommend seeing someone who specialises in CBT, we know that this can be expensive and that being able to pay for mental health therapy can be a triggering issue in itself.
For those who are curious, we’d recommend listening to some of Blindboy’s podcasts on the subject as an easy introduction to see if it works for you, starting with An Intro To Cognitive Psychology Pt1.
In the meantime, a helpful mantra is to focus on those things you can change, and try not to get hung up on those that you can’t.
Forgive yourself for any transgressions you may have – its ok to go vegan but crave chocolate, or to cut down on consumption but still buy a new item of clothing once in a while. The always excellent George Monbiot has a very helpful line on this:
The natural world is worth fighting for. But beware of burnout. Credit: Tom Spencer
“Like other prominent activists, I will be lambasted for hypocrisy: this is now the favoured means of trying to take down climate activists. Yes, we are hypocrites. Because we are embedded in the systems we contest, and life is complicated, no one has ever achieved moral purity. The choice we face is not between hypocrisy and purity, but between hypocrisy and cynicism. It is better to strive to do good, and often fail, than not to strive at all.”
You are not alone, and climate anxiety is a very real and urgent issue – just like the Climate Crisis. Be kind to yourself, take care and reach out for help when you need it.
What To Read Next
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