5 Ways to Cope With Climate Anxiety

 5 Ways To Cope With Climate Anxiety

The Earth’s climate is warming and many of us are experiencing its effects on our daily lives. Here in Colorado, the 2020 & 2021 wildfire seasons created unhealthy air conditions that were hard to ignore, forcing us to make changes like limiting time outside, blocking our views of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, and for some feeling the smoke’s physical impact in our body. No matter where you are living, the chances are likely that you’ve noticed changes in your environment too that have had some impact on your life. Here are 5 tips for taking care of your mental health if you’re experiencing anxiety from climate change:

1- Set boundaries. Limit your intake of climate-related news, especially if it increases your stress levels. There is a healthy way to stay responsibly informed without letting fear and worry over the environment consume you. Consider changing what sources you’re getting information from as well as how much time you spend on it. Remember that news is often sensationalized in order to keep you hooked, and that sources such as research articles or academic journals may be a better option to stay informed without the added fear factor.

Here’s a list of recommended reading from the environmental organization Ecostia that provides a more balanced perspective of what the climate is faced with & what the available solutions are:

This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein

The Leaderless Revolution by Carne Ross

This Is Not a Drill by Extinction Rebellion

Drawdown by Paul Kawken

2- Acknowledge your feelings. Acknowledge and accept whatever emotions come up for you. When it comes to climate change and the destruction of our environment, it is understandable to feel fear, sadness, loss, and worry. Know that you are completely valid in whatever it is you feel and that you’re not alone. Do what you need to do to process that feeling and let it out rather than keeping it all in. Some examples include talking with a friend, journaling, and talking with your therapist.

3- Make positive changes. We are limited in what we’re able to change as individuals, but that doesn’t mean we have to do nothing. Try to live out your environmental values by making small changes in your life. Try a “Meatless Monday”, ride your bike to work, turn off the lights when you’re no longer in a room. Small actions may not make a huge difference to the environment, but it can make a difference in how you feel.

4- Keep hope alive. One of the hardest parts of witnessing climate change disasters is how powerless it can make us feel. Hopelessness about the environment can be hard on our mental health, and can even lead to depression. A good reminder of hope is that we have never had more awareness of climate change or more action towards reversing its effects before in history. There are many people actively working towards positive change at this very moment. Find hopeful messages like these that resonate most with you. 

5- Be present in the moment. A lot of climate-related anxiety is triggered by future-oriented scenarios, full of what-ifs and worst-case outcomes. This type of thinking reinforces a sense of danger in our minds and ignites the stress response in the body. Use grounding exercises to remind yourself that you are safe in the present moment to reverse the stress response and improve your overall health and wellbeing. Here’s a list of some practical ways to ground yourself in the moment: https://drsarahallen.com/7-ways-to-calm/

It can be hard to cope with the feelings that go along with the awareness of our changing world and environment. It’s important to manage the impact of climate change on our own well-being. If you need additional tools and resources for coping, explore your options with a therapist and develop strategies that work best for you.

Sarah Kraft, LCSW

Licensed Therapist

Insight Counseling & Wellness Center

190 E. 9th Ave. #290

Denver, CO 80203

(720) 282-0748