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Recently, while driving home after picking up my child from school, I listened to a news report about an unusual tornado outbreak in the Midwest. Moments later, my phone buzzed with an alert regarding an alarming rise in manatee deaths in Florida. Later that day, I spoke with a friend whose basement was flooded after a severe storm wreaked havoc in our neighborhood. All of this combined to elevate my eco-anxiety from a subtle sense of unease to full-blown, nail-biting dread. Unfortunately, this has become a more frequent occurrence.
The American Psychological Association first defined eco-anxiety in 2017 as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” While it is not classified as a clinical diagnosis, this type of anxiety is increasingly recognized in therapeutic settings. Psychotherapist Lisa Bennett emphasized in a recent interview with a wellness magazine that eco-anxiety is a legitimate concern stemming from the disturbing realities of our planet.
The Rise of Eco-Anxiety
For as long as I can remember, especially since becoming a parent, I’ve found myself waking up at odd hours, consumed with thoughts about rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and deteriorating air quality. News about declining bee populations and increasing global temperatures sends my heart racing. I constantly seek out any glimmers of hope regarding environmental recovery or scientific solutions to climate change.
Initially, I believed I was alone in my worries, as climate change feels abstract compared to the immediate concerns we face daily. However, studies show that eco-anxiety is widespread, especially among young adults. A recent survey involving 10,000 individuals aged 16-25 across ten countries revealed that three-quarters find the future frightening. Over half feel humanity is in dire straits, and more than 45 percent report that their anxiety over climate change negatively affects their daily lives, sometimes even influencing their decisions about having children.
Feeling Uncertain About the Future
At its core, eco-anxiety captures the profound uncertainty and sense of insecurity about the future—especially for our children. As parents, our instinct is to shield our children from danger, and climate change represents a formidable threat that could reshape life as we know it. Sometimes I ponder whether, alongside teaching my kids essential skills like budgeting, I should also be equipping them to survive in a world ravaged by climate change. (Truth be told, I’m not sure how to teach that.)
Thanks to my love for dystopian narratives, I can easily envision a future where my children’s lives revolve around securing basic necessities rather than enjoying everyday activities. It’s a future I dread, and the thought of it often keeps me awake at night. While most climate scientists don’t predict an imminent societal collapse in Western Europe, the very phrase “a couple of decades” feels alarmingly close, especially since the impact of climate change will vary significantly across different regions and socioeconomic groups.
Strategies for Managing Eco-Anxiety
Experts agree that eco-anxiety is a natural response to our current environmental crisis, and, in some respects, it can be a catalyst for positive action. As Bennett stated, “It’s encouraging to see people discussing it because it’s a valid concern.” Open dialogue is essential, but it’s equally important to focus on actionable steps we can take. Taking measures like reducing single-use plastics, participating in community initiatives, or contributing to organizations combating climate change can foster a sense of control in the face of helplessness.
However, it’s also crucial to strike a balance and avoid becoming overly fixated on our ecological efforts. Ultimately, transformative change will require action from political leaders and major corporations. Still, regaining a sense of agency is empowering.
Caroline Mitchell, a psychotherapist and member of a mental health organization, advises those grappling with eco-anxiety to share their feelings with others. “You don’t have to go through it alone; this is some heavy stuff,” she noted.
The reality is that our climate is indeed changing, and many aspects are beyond repair. Without immediate action—yesterday would have been better—we risk worsening conditions. This is undeniably frightening. Yet, I remain hopeful that we can avert the worst-case scenarios. Global leaders and researchers are finally prioritizing climate change, and a growing movement suggests that change is on the horizon. This belief is what allows me to find peace and motivates me to do my part in preserving our environment.
For many of us, including myself, eco-anxiety is here to stay. However, we can channel it toward safeguarding future generations from experiencing the same fears and potential realities.
This is one of our other blog posts that delves deeper into the topic of eco-anxiety and practical coping strategies.
Summary:
Eco-anxiety is a growing concern, particularly among parents and young adults, stemming from fears about climate change and its uncertain future impacts. While it can feel overwhelming, experts suggest that discussing these feelings and taking actionable steps can help mitigate anxiety. By engaging in environmental initiatives and fostering conversations about eco-anxiety, we can empower ourselves and others to address these pressing issues.