Navigating Climate Anxiety to Instill Hope
Climate change is an urgent and real global crisis that is effecting us all and it’s showing up more and more in the therapy room with clients. I just read this morning that July has been the hottest month in the history of the world and the hottest July recorded in Austin EVER! I know I’m feeling it both physically AND emotionally. As we become more aware of the environmental challenges we face and summers are becoming hotter and hotter, it's natural to feel concerned and anxious about the present and the future. This new concern, known as climate anxiety, is an emotional response to the overwhelming scope of climate change and its potential impact on our lives and the planet. Acknowledging its’ validity and finding practical ways to cope with it can help create hope and positive action during a time that can be overwhelming and hopeless.
Understanding Climate Anxiety:
Climate anxiety is a natural reaction to the existential threat posed by climate change. As we witness the consequences of global warming in the form of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, etc., it's normal to feel overwhelmed, helpless, and anxious about the present and the uncertain future.
It's essential to recognize that climate anxiety is shared by millions of people around the world, and acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards addressing them in a way that is helpful and hopeful. As with most overwhelming moments and events in our lives, validating our emotions can help you develop healthy coping skills around climate change and create a supportive community.
Signs of climate anxiety
Feeling overwhelmed
Burnout or fatigue
Lack of motivation or joy in your everyday life
Lack of engagement with the world around you
Feeling hopeless
Here are some ways to cultivate hope in the face of climate change:
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is empowering. Educate yourself about climate change and its causes, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat it. Learning about sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and conservation efforts can provide hope and motivation to contribute to the solution.
Focus on what you can control
Climate change cannot be solved by one person or organization on their own. However, as an individual there are several actions you can take to address climate change and help it all feel more manageable. Here are some things you can do that is within your control:
Engage in climate change initiatives and policies
Get involved in local and national advocacy efforts, call or write your legislators
Conserve water: Be mindful of water usage by fixing leaks, using water-saving fixtures, and adopting water-efficient habits like taking shorter showers.
Change the way to commute to work or school
Engage in meaningful conversations about climate change with family and friends
Donate to organizations or causes you care about
Vote for climate action: Use your voting power to elect leaders who prioritize climate change policies and sustainable practices
Remember that individual actions, while important, are just one part of the solution. Addressing climate change also requires collective efforts from governments, businesses, and communities worldwide.
Celebrate Positive Initiatives:
Focus on the positive changes happening worldwide. Celebrate successful conservation projects, renewable energy milestones, and individuals and communities making a difference. By highlighting achievements can instill and inspire hope.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals:
Surround yourself with people who share your concerns and values. Join local environmental groups, attend climate-related events, or participate in online communities dedicated to climate action. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide a sense of camaraderie and amplify our collective efforts.
Practice Mindfulness:
Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or spending time in nature. Mindfulness helps ground us in the present moment, reducing feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. It also fosters a deeper connection with the environment and a greater appreciation for the beauty in nature.
Take a break from climate news
Following climate-driven accounts and “doom scrolling” news posts about climate change all the time can impact your mental health. being mindful bout how you feel when reading news updates or events will help to know when it may be a good time to take a break.
Here are other things you can do in the meantime:
Engaging in other activities or hobbies you love
Catching up with friends or family
Spending time in nature by walking, hiking, bird watching or other outdoor activities
Taking a day off to practice self-care
Taking Positive Action:
Feeling anxious about climate change can be transformed into positive action that contributes to a greener and more sustainable future. Here are some friendly ways to take action and make a difference:
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Small changes in our daily lives can have a significant impact. Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, carpooling, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly products.
Embrace Sustainable Practices: Adopt sustainable practices such as reducing waste, recycling, composting, and choosing products with minimal environmental impact. Encourage your friends and family to do the same by leading by example.
Advocate for Change: Speak up for the environment and advocate for policies that address climate change. Engage with your local representatives, sign petitions, and support organizations working towards environmental protection.
Support Green Initiatives: Support businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability and environmentally responsible practices. By patronizing eco-friendly companies, we send a clear message that consumers care about the planet's well-being.
Educate Others: Share your knowledge and passion for the environment with others. Educate your friends, family, and community about climate change and inspire them to take action.
Bottom line
Climate anxiety is a valid emotional response to the challenges of climate change. By understanding and validating our feelings, we can foster a supportive community that works together towards positive action and solutions. Climate anxiety is a very real experience, and it’s not something you have to go through alone. If your feelings start to affect your life or ability to cope day-to-day, it can be helpful to talk to someone about it. Reaching out to a friend, family member or counselor can help you work through your feelings and practice coping skills.
Therapy can help
If you feel like you’re getting stuck along the way or want more guided support, it may be time to seek a consultation with a therapist. Contact Real Well Therapy here or call 512-686-7009.
Want to learn more about how anxiety therapy can help you? Click here!
Don’t miss out! Sign up below for blog updates.
(Don’t worry, I won’t spam you or share your information).
