Environmental concern and stress: Understanding its nature and coping strategies
In recent years, eco-anxiety—a chronic or severe anxiety related to humans' relationship with the environment—has become a growing concern. This anxiety can stem from experiencing, being at risk of, or having loved ones at risk of climate-related extreme weather. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) described eco-anxiety as "a chronic fear of environmental doom" in 2017.
The changing climate can affect mental health in several ways, according to the APA. These include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, aggression, reduced feelings of autonomy and control, and feelings of helplessness, fatalism, and fear. If a person's worries about the environment interfere with their everyday life, their ability to work, or their ability to look after themselves, they should talk to a mental health professional.
Fortunately, current approaches and strategies for managing eco-anxiety focus on both psychological interventions and practical engagement with environmental issues. The goal is to reduce distress and empower individuals.
One such method is mindfulness and positive psychology interventions. Mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation help regulate emotions and alleviate the helplessness often linked with eco-anxiety. These practices foster present-focused, non-judgmental awareness and enhance psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, resilience, and hope.
Seeking professional support is another key method. Therapy with clinicians trained in eco-anxiety or climate psychology provides tailored coping tools and reframing strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often employed to reduce worry and empower individuals to manage climate-related fears.
Taking meaningful action is also crucial. Translating anxiety into proactive behavior—such as volunteering, advocacy, tree planting, recycling, or educating others—can build a sense of control and efficacy, which mitigates feelings of doom. Participation in collective action or support groups also offers emotional support and a platform for brainstorming solutions.
Managing media exposure is another important factor. Limiting consumption of distressing climate news and periodically disengaging from media can help prevent overwhelm and maintain focus. Balanced climate communication with informed peers or groups can provide constructive perspectives and practical steps, reducing anxiety.
Cultivating hope through environmental innovation is another strategy. Focusing on positive developments like renewable energy expansion, green infrastructure in cities, and sustainable food technologies can foster hope and optimism, which are crucial for maintaining psychological resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Building a connection with nature can also help alleviate eco-anxiety. Although a strong bond with nature may increase eco-anxiety awareness, intentionally nurturing this connection can serve as a coping mechanism by promoting a sense of belonging and stewardship.
Public health efforts emphasize incorporating these coping mechanisms into education and community programs to enhance resilience at a broader societal level, recognizing mental health as integral to addressing the climate crisis.
It's important to note that eco-anxiety does not affect all people equally. Displaced people, forced migrants, people with preexisting mental or physical health conditions, people of lower socioeconomic status, children and young adults, older adults, and people living in indigenous communities may be more likely to experience eco-anxiety.
Spending more time outdoors or with nature may help alleviate eco-anxiety. The gradual impacts of climate change may lead to chronic mental health symptoms. Getting accurate information about the environment can empower communities and help them feel prepared and resilient.
Lastly, focusing on resiliency can help people handle anxiety better. A growing number of mental health professionals are receiving training in helping people manage their relationship with nature and cope with modern-day environmental problems.
In summary, managing eco-anxiety involves a blend of mindfulness-based psychological interventions, professional mental health support, active environmental engagement, moderated media exposure, and hopeful focus on innovations, all aimed at transforming distress into empowerment and sustained positive action.
- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) described eco-anxiety as a chronic fear of environmental doom, linking it to climate-related extreme weather.
- One such method for managing eco-anxiety is mindfulness and positive psychology interventions, which help reduce helplessness often associated with eco-anxiety.
- Therapy with clinicians trained in eco-anxiety or climate psychology provides tailored coping tools and reframing strategies to address eco-anxiety.
- Taking meaningful action, such as volunteering or educating others, can mitigate feelings of doom and build a sense of control and efficacy, which are crucial for managing eco-anxiety.
- Focusing on positive developments, like renewable energy expansion, green infrastructure, and sustainable food technologies, can foster hope and optimism, which are essential for maintaining psychological resilience in the face of climate challenges.
