If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disheartened by our climate problem, this isn’t unusual. Many people are worried about human-caused environmental degradation and climate change. A recent worldwide survey showed that this worry – what psychologists call “eco-anxiety” – affects nearly 70% of adults and 85% of children.
But what to do about it?
Here are five things you can consider to address eco-anxiety.
Each of these can create a greater sense of individual security and agency in the face of eco-anxiety and helps build the resiliency needed for the challenges ahead.
Over the next five weeks we will be sharing one way you can address eco-anxiety.
Here is the first:
1. Acknowledge that it’s ok to feel this way
Experiencing eco-anxiety is perfectly normal. It is something that others are feeling too. Practice self-compassion and be kind and understanding toward yourself by acknowledging this fact.
Don’t keep this a secret. Please forward this to someone who needs to hear about it and start up a conversation.