What Is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety—also known as ecological anxiety or climate-related anxiety—is a profound emotional response to climate change and other environmental issues. Although not yet recognized as an official mental disorder, eco-anxiety stems from the uncertainty about the Earth’s future and serves as a warning about the ongoing dangers of climate change.

Definition and Symptoms

Definition: Eco-anxiety is a persistent worry about the future of the Earth and life on it. Related terms like “climate change distress,” “ecological trauma,” and “ecological grief” indicate that these concerns involve symptoms beyond ordinary anxiety.

How It Feels: If you feel anxious about temperature changes, extreme weather, or habitat destruction, you are not alone. Many people experience deep sadness related to environmental damage and species loss. Symptoms of eco-anxiety may include:

• Anger or frustration towards those who deny climate change or past generations who failed to take action.
• Fatalistic thoughts about the future.
• Guilt or shame related to one’s personal carbon footprint.
• Post-traumatic stress after directly experiencing the impacts of climate change.
• Feelings of depression, anxiety, or panic related to the planet’s future.
• Grief and sadness over the loss of natural environments or wildlife populations.
• Obsession with climate and environmental issues, which can disrupt daily life.

Origins of Eco-Anxiety

Climate change is a global issue that is also deeply personal. Everyone has a connection to the Earth, and the changes occurring affect us emotionally and physically. Even if you don’t always think about the impacts of climate change on your life, the reality is that the planet’s uncertain future can cause profound anxiety.

Coping with Eco-Anxiety:

1. Education and Awareness: Understanding climate change and its impacts can help reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about steps you can take to reduce your personal carbon footprint can provide a sense of control.
2. Community and Support: Joining a community that cares about the environment can provide emotional support. Sharing experiences and solutions with others who have similar concerns can be very helpful.
3. Positive Actions: Taking small daily actions, such as reducing plastic use, recycling, or participating in greening activities, can provide a sense of positive contribution and reduce feelings of helplessness.
4. Psychological Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if your eco-anxiety interferes with daily life. A therapist or counselor who understands environmental issues can help you develop strategies to cope with this anxiety.
5. Mindfulness and Mental Health: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and other relaxation activities can help alleviate anxiety. Spending time in nature can also provide peace and strengthen your connection to the environment.

Conclusion

Eco-anxiety reflects our awareness of the planet’s increasingly critical condition. Through understanding and action, we can face eco-anxiety and contribute to climate change solutions. Collaboration and positive steps can help us maintain mental health while protecting the environment.

Let us take steps together to overcome eco-anxiety and work towards a better and greener future! 

Sources:

1. Healthline: Eco-anxiety
2. Wikipedia: Eco-Anxiety

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto