Is Climate Change A Constant Source of Worry For You? Then Read This!

“Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.” —Carl Sagan

I have often talked about how the climate crisis is an ongoing global health emergency impacting all facets of our life. Our environment is an indispensable part of our existence, and there is no denying that it shapes our thoughts and emotions. 

As natural calamities occur one after another and temperatures rise, so does our concern about the future of our existence. So, let’s understand how the two integral pillars of our health, i.e. ‘Environment’ and ‘Emotions’, are interconnected with the well-being of our planet.

UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE  ANXIETY 

Climate anxiety is a type of stress or worry related to the potential consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels, severe weather events, loss of habitats and biodiversity, and other environmental threats. It is a growing concern among individuals witnessing the impacts of climate change and feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the problem and the potential future consequences.

Climate anxiety can manifest as physical and emotional symptoms, and can negatively impact mental health and well-being. It is a complex issue influenced by many factors, including the media content we consume, personal experiences, and individual values and beliefs. Studies show that young people, in particular, may experience climate anxiety due to their longer life expectancy and the likelihood that they will be more affected by the consequences of climate change. 

Witnessing this slow ruination of the world can lead to feelings of fear, worry, and stress stemming from a sense of helplessness or hopelessness. 

HOW CLIMATE ANXIETY CAN AFFECT OUR DAILY LIFE 

Climate anxiety can impact our mental well-being, which affects how we function in our day-to-day lives. 

Climate anxiety can also manifest in many shapes and forms, including:

• Persistent worry or fear about the impacts of climate change.
• Physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sweating, or difficulty sleeping.
• A desire to avoid engaging with news or information about climate change.
• Feeling overwhelmed or stressed by environmental problems and disasters.
• Difficulty enjoying activities or hobbies due to feelings of guilt or worry about their environmental impact
• Negative thoughts or feelings about the future, such as fear for the future of the planet or one's own future.

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not necessarily indicate a mental health disorder. However, if they interfere with your daily life and well-being, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.

HEAL YOUR MIND TO HEAL THE WORLD 

If you or someone around you is experiencing climate anxiety, alleviate the situation by accepting it rather than dismissing it as an overreaction.  Manage and cope with climate anxiety by:

Connecting with others: Talking to friends, family, or a support group about your concerns can help you feel less isolated and more empowered.  Use the magic of story exchange to learn from others’ experiences to understand your emotions better.

Educate yourself:  Staying isolated when you feel the world is crashing down isn’t the way to tackle climate anxiety. Instead, learn about the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as solutions and ways to reduce your carbon footprint. It can help you feel more informed and accountable for your actions to tackle climate change.

Encourage and take action to mitigate climate change:  Be proactive and engage in activities both big and small that can help mitigate climate change, such as reducing your energy consumption, adopting clean energy, or advocating for policy changes. This can help you feel more empowered and less anxious. 

Practice self-care: Just like there is only one planet Earth, there is only one body gifted to us by nature! Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Incorporating more movement into your day, practising mindfulness, and adopting other stress-management activities can help you feel more resilient and better equipped to cope with climate anxiety.

Limit exposure to negative news: Constant exposure to news and media coverage of environmental disasters can exacerbate anxiety. Try to limit your exposure to negative news and focus on positive, solution-oriented stories instead.

Seek professional help: If your climate anxiety is persistent and affects your daily life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can help you develop coping strategies and work through your feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

Remember, addressing climate anxiety is a vital step in the larger effort to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and to ensure a safe and sustainable future for all. So, let us work together and take small steps to combat climate change starting with our minds and then our planet. 

For more cues on what we can do to fight climate change together, read the November 22, 2022 edition of The Longevity Hack here. 

This newsletter is part of our ongoing series.

Sources 

1. Dodds J. (2021). The psychology of climate anxiety. BJPsych bulletin, 45(4), 222–226. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2021.18
2. Hickman, C., Marks, E., Pihkala, P., Clayton, S., Lewandowski, R. E., Mayall, E. E., ... & van Susteren, L. (2021). Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. The Lancet Planetary Health, 5(12), e863-e873.
3. Cianconi, P., Betrò, S., & Janiri, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on mental health: a systematic descriptive review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11,74https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00074/full
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-climate-change-keeping-you-up-at-night-you-may-have-climate-anxiety-202206132761
5. Crandon, T.J., Scott, J.G., Charlson, F.J. et al. A social–ecological perspective on climate anxiety in children and adolescents. Nat. Clim. Chang. 12, 123–131 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01251-y
6. https://time.com/6112146/climate-anxiety-resources/