What is it ?
Eco-anxiety is the anxiety derived by the climate situation of our planet and the feeling of worrying for the next generation and their own life.
Eco-anxiety could cause health issues and it’s estimate that it’s more common among young people as teens and children.Research carried through a survey of child psychiatrists in England shows that more than half (57%) are seeing children and young people distressed about the climate crisis and environmental situation.
Symptoms
- anger or frustration, particularly toward people who don’t acknowledge climate change or older generations for not making more progress
- fatalistic thinking
- guilt or shame related to your own carbon footprint
- post-traumatic stress after experiencing effects of climate change
- feelings of depression, anxiety, or panic grief and sadness over the loss of natural environments or wildlife populations
- obsessive thoughts about the climate
Furthermore, the thoughts about the environment and global warming situation can fuel tension in relationships with friends, romantic partners, or family, especially if you don’t hold the same views on climate change. Effectively your daily relations and provoking others possible symptoms such as sleep problems, appetite change, difficulty concentrating.
Managing Eco-anxiety
Look for your own footprint – Daily attitudes as more sustainable lifestyle practices can often make a difference in your outlook, since living more in line with your personal values can help you cultivate your sense of self.
Plus,modelling climate-friendly behaviors may encourage others to do the same.
Don’t be guilty about your past actions – If you feel guilt over past behaviours that fell short of being climate-friendly, forgive yourself and commit to better choices moving forward. Don’t pressure yourself. You are only one person, and there’s only so much a single person can do.
Connect with your community – working with others who also want to protect the environment can increase your sense of connection and ease the sensation of struggling alone. Emotional and social support can help boost resilience, increasing your optimism and hope.
Talk about it – with friends, family, kids, young people, everyone that you think should be understanding more about the situation and don’t be disappointed about others’ reactions if it’s not what you wanted.
Therapy – Eco-anxiety technically isn’t a mental health diagnosis,yet therapists and other mental health professionals agree it can have a heavy emotional impact for many.If you feel some of the symptoms mentioned above therapy might be of strenght help possibly work on self-compassion develop coping skills to manage emotional distress,get help for depression or anxiety,creating an individualized self-care plan.
Bibliography :
Gregory , A. (2021, October 6). ‘eco-anxiety’: Fear of environmental doom weighs on young people. The Guardian. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/oct/06/eco-anxiety-fear-of-environmental-doom-weighs-on-young-people
Legg, T. (2020, September 23). Eco-anxiety: Symptoms, causes, and how to Cope. Healthline. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/eco-anxiety
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