Eco-anxiety? Here's how climate change impacts our mental health and how to deal with it.

Have you ever heard this term?

Climate change has become a looming global threat, affecting various aspects of life, including our mental health. With the continuous increase in temperature, extreme weather events, and natural disasters, it's no surprise that more and more people are experiencing eco-anxiety. But what exactly is eco-anxiety, and how can we cope with it?

Lets simplify this: Eco - anxiety

Eco-anxiety, also known as climate anxiety, is the feeling of fear, stress, or worry caused by the ongoing climate crisis. It's the fear of what the future holds, the fear of losing our loved ones, homes, and even our planet. This type of anxiety is prevalent among young people, with a recent survey showing that 70% of American teens are worried about climate change.

The University of Bath recently published the results of its 2023 Climate

Action Survey. Out of almost 5,000 respondents, 19% of students and 25% of staff said they were "extremely worried" about climate change, while 36% and 33% stated they were "very worried". Climate worry was higher compared with results from the previous year's survey.

So how does climate change affect our mental health? Here are some ways:

Loss of control and hopelessness

The constant news of extreme weather events and natural disasters can leave people feeling helpless and out of control. This feeling of powerlessness can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, which can trigger anxiety and depression.

Trauma

People who have experienced the impact of natural disasters or extreme weather events first-hand are likely to suffer from trauma. Trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

Guilt and Shame

The knowledge that our actions are contributing to climate change can leave some people feeling guilty and ashamed. These feelings can lead to depression and anxiety, especially if they feel like they are not doing enough to address the issue.

So what can we do to cope with eco-anxiety?

Stay informed but limit exposure

It's essential to stay informed about climate change, but it's equally important to limit exposure to distressing news. Constant exposure to negative news can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. Try to stay updated on climate change but set boundaries on how much news you consume.

Take action

Taking action can help alleviate feelings of helplessness and despair. Even small actions like reducing your carbon footprint or volunteering for environmental organisations can make a difference. Engage with your community and advocate for climate action.

Seek support

Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional can help manage eco-anxiety. Joining support groups can also provide a sense of community and support.

How Online Psychology learning helps in Eco-anxiety

Online psychology learning can be helpful in dealing with eco-anxiety, which is a type of anxiety that arises due to the growing concern about climate change and its impact on the environment. Climate change can have a significant impact on our mental health, as it can trigger feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, despair, and anxiety.

Learning about the psychology of eco-anxiety can help individuals to understand the root causes of their anxiety and develop effective coping strategies. Some helpful techniques that can be learned through online psychology courses include:

1. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness meditation can help individuals to focus on the present moment and cultivate a sense of calmness and relaxation.
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be helpful in managing anxiety related to climate change by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about the future.
3. Environmental activism: Taking action to reduce one's carbon footprint and advocating for environmental policies can give individuals a sense of purpose and control, which can be helpful in managing feelings of anxiety.
4. Self-care: Engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, spending time in nature, and connecting with loved ones can help to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Overall, online psychology learning can provide individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their eco-anxiety and maintain good mental health in the face of climate change.

Reference- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com