Understanding Eco-Anxiety: A Growing Concern in a Changing World

Have you heard the term eco-anxiety? How about climate grief, doom scrolling, or solastalgia? Language has always adapted over time. In recent years, these terms have helped us put words to our feelings about climate change, biodiversity loss, and fears for the future. But what exactly is eco-anxiety, and how does it affect people today?

In this post, we’ll explore the concept of eco-anxiety. We will delve into who it affects and why these feelings are a rational and reasonable response to a changing world. But we'll also look at some ways to soothe climate grief, so we can be happier, healthier, and make a more sustainable contribution to the world around us.

Burning through some climate anxiety with my sister in the local mountains

What is Eco-Anxiety?

"Eco-anxiety" describes a chronic fear of environmental doom. It's not currently something you can be medically diagnosed with. But as the term becomes more common, it may well become an official mental illness.

Eco-anxiety is an overwhelming feeling that many individuals experience regarding the state of the planet. But it doesn't really matter what the official definition is. What matters is how you feel. Does the world seem like a dark and hopeless place? Do thoughts about people and other animals suffering keep you up at night? Do you feel like you live on a dying planet, and does that break your heart? You know better than anyone if your concerns about the living planet are becoming too difficult to cope with. And guess what? It can get better. You deserve to feel better. And when you feel better, you can make an even bigger difference.

Why do I Have Eco-Anxiety?

Honestly, I think you have eco-anxiety because you're a sane and caring person in a seemingly insane and uncaring world. Congratulations!

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), "climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century."

In many ways, the people who are in complete denial about the damage humans are causing to the planet are the ones I'm more worried about. Scientific evidence and lived experience overwhelmingly support the theory that our burning of fossil fuels and destruction of natural spaces is destabilising the climate and peace in society, eroding human health, and polluting air and water.

Even if you were in denial about climate change, we know that fossil fuel air pollution is the leading cause of death globally. So no matter how you look at it, we have to make significant changes, very quickly, to save lives. I'm not telling you that to freak you out. You already know this stuff. I'm just reminding you that your feelings are valid and rational.

Wild swimming in the local river with my beautiful sister. Time outside has been a lifeline at times when climate grief is overwhelming.

Why don't more people care about the climate crisis?

Sometimes, the people like us saying, "Hey, should we maybe not destroy our home so that we can all live a healthy and prosperous life?" are made to feel naive or immature. Hold up! It is this reaction to your concerns that is bonkers, not you!

But I want you to know that you are not alone. According to a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, nearly 50% of young people feel anxious about climate change, and 75% believe the future is frightening due to environmental issues.

So next time you're on a train or a long car journey and get that overwhelming feeling that "christ, there are so many people in the world" as you see houses flitting by on both sides, remember that the people behind those front doors are more likely to understand you and share you're feelings than not. Isn't that a little bit amazing? To be understood by so many people.

At the same time, there is an awful lot of good happening in the world right now. The solutions to the climate crisis already exist today, we don't need to make any crazy new inventions. They have even been costed out by a team of scientists at Project Drawdown. They concluded that reversing global warming is possible with a combination of habitat restoration and technology that already exists. And it would be cheaper to reverse global warming than do nothing! That's right, the cost of implementing solutions is less than doing nothing and letting extreme weather events damage our infrastructure and physical health.

The problem isn't that we don't know what to do or can't achieve it. The problem isn't even that we are not acting, we are going in the right direction on so many things from cleaner energy to reversing deforestation. The main problem right now is the speed that things are progressing. We need to ramp up the work already being done. But it is still possible to stabilise the climate.

Is Eco-Anxiety a Bad Thing?

Is eco-anxiety getting in the way of a happy, healthy lifestyle and meaningful relationships? If the answer is yes, I'm sorry you're struggling. That sounds tough, and you could probably do with some support. You deserve to have a beautiful life, even if there is suffering in the world and the future isn't certain.

But I don't think your feelings mean there is anything wrong with you. It means that you care about future and current generations and you want people and the planet to be well. Even better, those feelings of concern can work like a call to action, inspiring you to make a meaningful difference in your personal life and wider communities. But it can be a delicate balance between staying aware and pushing for change, but not drowing in climate grief and eco-anxiety.

Sometimes feeling better isn't about adding more things to your to-do list. Maybe you need to do a little less for a while. (And if you do nothing barefoot in the mud, all the better!)

Who Does Eco Anxiety Affect?

Eco anxiety does not discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life. Research has shown that younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are most likely to report feelings of eco-anxiety. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 83% of young people feel worried about climate change. Many express feelings of helplessness fueled by stories in the media and discussions that dominate social platforms.

A study by the Journal of Environmental Psychology also highlights that people who are already experiencing mental health challenges or who have a history of anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for experiencing eco-anxiety. The age group particularly affected ranges from approximately 18 to 35 years old, but eco anxiety can impact people across all ages.

While eco anxiety can feel overwhelming, it is vital to remember that these feelings can be a normal and healthy response. It can also function as a catalyst for change; many people channel their eco anxiety into advocacy, community work, and sustainable living practices.

When Eco Anxiety Becomes Overwhelming

While eco anxiety can be a catalyst for positive change, it can also become overwhelming for many. When feelings of eco-anxiety turn into chronic stress, it can hinder our ability to act productively. People may experience increased bodily symptoms, such as sleeplessness, fatigue, and even withdrawal from social activities.

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, prolonged eco-anxiety can lead to psychological distress. This distress can create a cycle of inactivity, where the individual feels too overwhelmed to engage, leading to more anxiety. The very concerns we have about the future can become paralysing, causing individuals to withdraw from engagement in sustainable activities or community initiatives.

It is crucial to maintain a healthy balance when engaging with environmental issues. Awareness and concern can lead to meaningful action, but when the anxiety spills into chronic distress, the ability to effect positive change diminishes.

Finding Balance and Moving Forward

To recap, eco-anxiety is a normal emotional response to a changing world. Understanding this can empower us to channel our feelings into concrete actions for a healthier planet. But it is crucial to balance staying informed and allowing ourselves the space to breathe and enjoy life.

There are concrete ways to make the world a better place while sticking to your values and creating a happy life. I rescued these two beautiful dogs instead of buying from a breeder. They have brought me just as much as I have brought to them.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by eco-anxiety, here are a few actions that you could take:

• Take a break from social media for a couple of weeks (deactivate your accounts, and delete the app from your phone if you keep opening it on autopilot)

• Stop doomscrolling: try to take two weeks off from the news at the same time. This might be a hard habit to break, so don't hesitate to set a one-minute limit on your phone for news sites you tend to check out.

• Get some positive news: when you feel like reading awful headlines, you can instead check out positive news sources like Positive News or the Good News Network.

• Get help: talk to your doctor if you're overwhelmed by eco-anxiety. They might be able to help you with medication or a referral to a therapist until you get back on your feet. (I offer personal coaching, but it would be better to see a therapist if you're experiencing acute distress).

• Get outside: Drink your morning coffee in the park or in your garden. If that isn't possible, open a window and sit by it first thing in the morning to get some fresh air. Going for a brisk walk can help you burn through anxiety, release happy hormones, and feel more grounded.

• Discover Climate Solutions with books like Drawdown (By that group of scientists who costed out climate solutions!) or Not the End of the World by exceptional data scientist Hannah Ritchie. (These books genuinely changed my life!)

• Contribute to a better world. (I make it sound so easy!) But seriously, once you've taken care of yourself for a couple of weeks and feel a little more resilient, you may find that doing something positive for the planet can help you feel even better. For me, it's easy to let go of what I can't change when I know I'm doing my very best in all the areas where I have an impact. I'm writing another blog post with practical suggestions to make a difference, so stay tuned!

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