Planet Panic: What is Climate Anxiety?

For a while now, climate change has been a hot topic. Politicians, activists, and business people alike have an impact on both the climate and how the average person perceives the state of our world.

Natural disasters like the recent LA wildfires put into perspective just how delicate our world is and highlight why so many worry about it. 

The Lowdon on Climate Anxiety 

Climate anxiety, often referred to as eco-anxiety, is the persistent fear of environmental catastrophe linked to climate change. This anxiety arises from recognizing both current and potential future effects of climate change, including severe weather events, rising sea levels, and declining biodiversity. 

This new form of anxiety is particularly present in younger people, who experience climate anxiety due to their worries about the planet’s long-term health and the legacy they will pass on to future generations. 

The daunting reality of the climate crisis and a perceived lack of adequate action from governments and corporations can intensify these feelings, resulting in a sense of powerlessness and distress. 

Luckily, there is plenty you can do to first acknowledge and then combat this anxiety. From traditional psychological treatments to group activism to create a sense of change–anything is possible. 

Why Climate Anxiety Happens: The Science Behind It

Like any form of anxiety, it is defined as an excessive and persistent worry or apprehension. And like any form of anxiety, climate anxiety impacts both our physical and mental well-being. On the psychological side, climate anxiety can manifest as intrusive thoughts, ongoing worry, or trouble focusing, which can interfere with daily activities and affect well-being as a whole. 

A powerful way to ease these effects is through collective action and community-based solutions. Participating in environmental activism or local sustainability initiatives gives individuals a sense of control and purpose, helping to combat feelings of helplessness and despair. 

Getting out there and doing something can simultaneously help tackle the underlying issues of climate change while nurturing a sense of purpose and emotional support. It is hard to change the world alone, and there are plenty of climate activist groups. Consider merging your personal desire for change with collective actions to make a real impact. Together, we can lessen the mental health challenges posed by climate anxiety while creating real climate change. 

Who Are Most Affected?

Climate anxiety is felt disproportionately by the young and those who deal with natural disasters. This is likely because young people will bear the consequences for longer. Studies show that 75%of people aged 16 to 25 are ‘very worried.’

A large driver of climate anxiety is the constant exposure young people have to news on various platforms. Of course, it is good to be in the know, but constant news on social media can amplify feelings of helplessness. 

At the same time, social media drives activism that channels frustrations toward a productive goal. It fosters collective action, enables young people to share solutions, and unites them with others who share their concerns. By turning fear into meaningful advocacy, it provides a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Managing Climate Anxiety 

There has been a huge amount of research into exactly how to cope with anxiety. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are highly effective and may only take a few sessions. CBT has been developed based on the evidence and statistical feedback on what works so you can trust its efficacy. 

Luckily, there are plenty of people who can help you manage–and learn to manage climate anxiety. More and more people are getting qualified with a mental health counseling degree online precisely to help those coping with anxiety. Virtual appointments are becoming more common with mental health practitioners with apps like Better Help. 

As the saying goes, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” It is unlikely that you will stop the planet from warming, but that does not mean there is no hope or nothing to be done. If you are worried, then change what you can on a local level, protect as much of the environment as you can, and you will at least be satisfied that you did something. 

Hope for the Future: Why Action Matters

The many climate movements show just how much people care about preserving our planet. Changes to the types of energy we use, the cars we drive, and the resources people use and reuse show that change is entirely possible. It will not be possible (or profitable) to run the world on oil forever, and great innovators realize this. 

If you are concerned about the climate, take solace in this change. If you are still worried about the way the world is going, remember that it only takes one person to change. It starts with you and ends with everybody.

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