6 Strategies on How to Cope with Climate-Anxiety
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In today's episode, I invited my first guest of the season…my sister Cameo! We begin by sharing our love for nature while discussing our experience with "eco-anxiety."
Later on, we offer insight on how to overcome environmental doomism. We hope you enjoy the tips shared in this episode to alleviate feelings of climate anxiety along with approaching sustainability, and environmental activism in a more attainable way.
There 3 types of People…
There are 3 types of people who cope with the climate crisis:
Environmental Doomism: believing that the environmental problems are so severe and irreversible that there is no hope for a positive outcome.
Environmental Denial: a refusal to acknowledge the existence or severity of environmental problems, often due to a lack of awareness or motivated by self-interest.
Environmental Activism: taking action to promote positive change and protect the environment.
The primary focus of this episode is to shift away from the negative and unproductive mindset of doom and denial, and towards a more positive and proactive approach of environmental activism.
What is Climate Anxiety?
The American Psychological Association (APA) doesn't have an official definition of "climate anxiety." However, the APA has acknowledged the existence of "eco-anxiety," which is a term used to describe the chronic fear and worry individuals experience about the current and future state of the environment.
Eco-anxiety can be triggered by a variety of environmental issues such as climate change, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, and other related events.
It is important to note that eco-anxiety is a natural response to the existential threat of the planet and all its inhabitants, but there is always a way to get into a more abundant perspective.
How to Cope with Climate (Eco) Anxiety
1. be mindful of watching the news
It is important to be cautious when consuming news about the climate crisis because the overwhelming nature of the information can further lead to eco-anxiety or a sense of hopelessness.
Moreover, the media often presents complex environmental issues in a simplified and sensationalized manner, which can create misunderstandings and inaccuracies that may further exacerbate fears and anxieties.
We realize it’s important to stay informed, but it is equally important to seek out credible sources of information and engage in self-care practices to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Bianca: “Did you hear about the ozone layer, that it’s improving?”
Cameo: “Yeah, it’s healing!”
Bianca: “It’s healing! Exactly. And you know what’s amazing to me? That 9/10 what I see online about any other negative…”
Cameo: “Yeah because we love to sit in that negativity.” (It fuels doomism)
Bianca: “Misery loves company."
Cameo: “Yup.”
Here are some positive news stories about climate change.
2. connecting with nature
Connecting with nature can be beneficial in calming climate anxiety because it promotes a sense of awe and wonder, and allows individuals to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Spending time in natural environments has been shown to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being and connectedness.
Moreover, being in nature can inspire individuals to take action towards protecting the environment, which can help to reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair associated with eco-anxiety.
“Theres so much about a plant, trees, how the seasons pass…it makes me feel safer. Connected to something greater than ourselves. Something that is more than just a thing –– it’s a being.” Bianca says.
3. embrace imperfect environmentalism
Embracing imperfect environmentalism is important because it acknowledges that while individual actions can make a difference, no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes.
Striving for perfection in environmental practices can lead to guilt, shame, and burnout, which may ultimately result in giving up altogether.
Instead, imperfect environmentalism recognizes that small steps and progress, even if they are not perfect, can still make a meaningful impact over time.
Cameo touches on this topic by saying, “Get inspiration. What are different ways that you can be sustainable in your craft? Like you don’t have to be somebody who’s studying environment. I just learned in my class that I can make anything I could possibly need for paints and pigments, just from the earth. Find ways to be sustainable, and view it in a way to inspire others, not mask any guilt.”
4. becoming more minimal in your purchases
Anxiety usually comes from feeling like you’re not in control. Cameo and I talk about how adopting a more minimalistic approach to consumption can lead to a sense of empowerment and control while decreasing your impact on the environment.
Additionally, focusing on more meaningful experiences rather than material possessions can enhance overall well-being and promote a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.
5. going to therapy
It is important to consider therapy with climate-aware therapists because they have specialized knowledge and training in addressing the psychological impacts of climate change and related environmental issues.
Climate-aware therapists can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to process and manage their eco-anxiety, as well as offer practical coping strategies and resources to promote resilience and empowerment.
Moreover, climate-aware therapists can help individuals to navigate complex feelings of grief, guilt, and despair that may arise in response to environmental challenges, and promote a greater sense of hope and agency towards a more sustainable future.
6. community: we are all in this together
Connecting with community can help with climate anxiety by fostering a sense of belonging, support, and collective action towards a shared goal.
Climate change and related environmental issues can be overwhelming and isolating, and individuals may feel like their actions are insignificant in the face of such global challenges.
However, by connecting with like-minded individuals in the community, individuals can find support, motivation, and inspiration to take action towards positive change.
“I like to say we’re all connected. I think it takes a lot of pressure off yourself–to realize, you’re not alone, and you don’t need to solve the world’s problems by yourself.”
Things are looking up my friend.
If you heal, you heal the earth, and vice versa.
If you vibrate at a higher frequency, a domino effect can occur that lifts other people’s spirits––making them feel more hopeful and inspired to create a more sustainable future.
You are not alone. We are in this together.
