Eco-Anxiety: What is it and Why should we care

Eco-anxious youth leads the way in climate change awareness.

Eco-anxiety refers to a type of anxiety or stress related to the environmental crisis and the degradation of the natural world. It is a psychological phenomenon characterized by feelings of fear, helplessness, grief, or guilt about the current and future state of the environment. People experiencing eco-anxiety may feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental problems such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and other ecological issues.

themes Themes
Climate Change
One Health
People

How eco -anxiety manifests itself

Eco-anxiety can manifest in various ways, including increased worry about the future, preoccupation with environmental news, feelings of sadness or despair, and even physical symptoms such as insomnia or headaches. It can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but it may be particularly pronounced among younger generations who are growing up in an era of heightened environmental awareness and concern.

 

Is it a recognized disease?

While eco-anxiety is not formally recognized as a mental health disorder in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, it is increasingly acknowledged by mental health professionals as a valid and significant issue that can impact well-being. Treatment for eco-anxiety may involve therapy, stress management techniques, community engagement, and action-oriented approaches to address environmental concerns.

Younger generation

 

The younger generation, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, are often at the forefront of conversations about eco-anxiety due to their heightened awareness of environmental issues and their potential long-term impacts. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

  1. Environmental Education: Many young people have been exposed to environmental education from a young age, whether through school curricula, documentaries, or social media. This exposure can increase awareness of environmental challenges and their potential consequences.
  2. Media Coverage: Environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution receive extensive media coverage, often highlighting the urgency and severity of these problems. This constant stream of information can contribute to feelings of anxiety and helplessness, particularly among young people who are more likely to engage with digital media.
  3. Interconnectedness: Younger generations are more interconnected globally through technology and social media, allowing them to witness environmental disasters and activism in real-time. This interconnectedness can amplify feelings of anxiety as they see the scale of environmental problems and the challenges in addressing them.
  4. Future Concerns: Many young people express concerns about the future and the world they will inherit. They worry about the impact of environmental degradation on their own lives, as well as the lives of future generations. This concern for the future can manifest as eco-anxiety, driving them to seek solutions and advocate for change.
  5. Activism and Advocacy: Young people are often at the forefront of environmental activism and advocacy efforts, mobilizing for climate action, sustainable practices, and conservation initiatives. While activism can be empowering, it can also contribute to feelings of frustration and anxiety when progress feels slow or insufficient.

Looking Ahead

Addressing eco-anxiety among the younger generation requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, mental health support, community engagement, and meaningful action on environmental issues. By providing opportunities for young people to channel their concerns into positive change and fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges, we can help mitigate the impact of eco-anxiety and empower future generations to create a more sustainable world.

Sources:

 

  • Scientific Journals and Publications:
    • “Eco-anxiety: What Is It and What Can We Do About It?” by Thomas J. Doherty, published in the journal Ecopsychology.
    • “The Psychological Effects of Climate Change on Children” by Susan Clayton and Christine M. Emmons, published in the The American Psychological Association.
  • Books:
    • “Eco-Anxiety: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Climate Change and Eco-Guilt” by Sarah Wilson.
    • “The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells, although not solely focused on eco-anxiety, it explores the impacts of climate change on humanity’s future, which can contribute to eco-anxiety.
  • Websites and Online Resources:
    • The American Psychological Association (APA) has resources and articles related to climate change and mental health, including eco-anxiety.
    • The Climate Psychology Alliance offers articles, webinars, and resources related to the psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety.
    • The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication provides insights and research on public perceptions of climate change, including psychological responses like eco-anxiety.
  • Documentaries and Films:
    • “An Inconvenient Truth” and “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” by Al Gore provide insights into the impacts of climate change and can evoke discussions about eco-anxiety.
    • “Our Planet” and “Planet Earth” series by the BBC and Netflix showcase the beauty of the natural world and the threats it faces, which can contribute to discussions about eco-anxiety.
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