As of 2024, the reality of climate change isn’t limited to educational videos of polar bears aghast at melting polar ice caps. America may be politically or ideologically polarized, but there’s no ambiguity in scientific circles.

Human acts are often to blame for long-term weather changes, causing storms, wildfires, and droughts. Such events have significant repercussions. In the past decade, thousands have faced displacement from their homes. Poverty, health, and food availability have been worsening.

In recent years, climate change anxiety has snowballed into a mental health crisis.

Is Eco-Anxiety a Legit Health Concern?

Picture this. Something has been bothering you. Over time, it is causing stress, depression, and a fear of losing your social and community identity. A 2021 Lancet Planetary Health study found that 59% of the respondents were extremely worried about climate change. Over 45% said it affected their daily lives negatively.

The American Psychological Association calls eco-anxiety a chronic fear of “environmental doom.” It is not an official diagnosis, but the associated impact is similar to classic signs of anxiety.

In recent years, the repercussions of climate change have become more tangible, from power outages to poor air quality. These circumstances have created an existential crisis in many, manifesting as fear and grief.

Over time, more people are affected, particularly in northern Canada and California. It is no coincidence that these regions witness a higher frequency and scale of natural disasters.

Coping With Eco-Anxiety: Concrete Actions

Health experts often recommend acceptance as the first step in tackling a condition. A 2024 survey in the Nature Climate Change journal gave fascinating insights. It turns out that 69% of the global population is willing to devote 1% of their income to managing climate change.

But hold on. Only a few are optimistic about the willingness of others. This problem of pluralistic ignorance causes a deadlock and worsens mindsets.

It is time to take concrete actions to manage eco-anxiety and keep it from impacting your mental health.

#1 Find Support in Legal Counsel

Some effects of climate change have immediate life-altering consequences. Disasters like wildfires and droughts wreak havoc across the US, particularly in California. From January to October 2024, wildfires burned more than 1 million acres in the region – a huge increase from the previous year – and riskier months lie ahead.

The fear of losing a loved one or having your home and business destroyed can trigger anxiety. The resulting feeling of helplessness can exacerbate isolation and depression.

According to a Guardian report, extreme wildfires in the western US have increased more than ten times in the last two decades. The feedback loop makes this unsettling record worse. Wildfires release carbon emissions that aggravate global warming and cause even more fires.

Knowing how to stay safe after a wildfire can help you regain control over your life. It is crucial to alleviating anxiety. For example, ensure you know how to examine water, electricity, and gas connections, as they can face damage. Another critical step is contacting your homeowner’s insurance provider to claim compensation.

However, Frantz Law Group notes that many insurance policies don’t cover “acts of God” like wildfires, making it difficult to get a fair settlement. Moreover, in the aftermath of a disaster, you may feel too overwhelmed to pursue it. Consulting with a wildfire attorney can help you tackle such complications.

#2 Don’t Rule Out Conventional Therapy

Since eco-anxiety isn’t a diagnosis, you may hesitate to seek therapy. But there’s a strong case for attending support groups and counseling. It can make a striking difference to anyone feeling vulnerable.

Mental health experts understand that anxiety can stem from diverse sources. Fearing the loss of a family member or catastrophizing a threat to your homeland are both valid.

You can consult a cognitive behavioral therapist to change your thinking patterns. It can prevent over-worrying. Physical and ­psychodynamic therapists can equip you with relaxation and mindfulness techniques. It lets you stay calm and connect with the environment constructively.

The New York Times notes that eco-anxiety has spurred new research in psychotherapy as traditional methods may not work. After all, eco-anxiety may not be “internally produced.” Its symptoms are reasonable instead of pathological.

Good old talk therapy can encourage participation in community events. With like-minded people, you can chart actionable steps to tackle climate change. It can diminish isolation and make you feel more empowered. All in all, it is a meaningful investment for managing mental health.

#3 Find Ways to Connect With Nature Positively

From communing with nature for wellness to watching it crumble and go up in flames – it is a tragic chain of events for anyone to experience.

Climate change has left many of us feeling bleak about the future. You may even second-guess major life decisions like having children or buying a house. Incidents like wildfires, storms, and floods can paint nature as the villain. Although, arguably, they are only retaliation for invasive human activities.

Finding positive ways to connect with nature can help manage feelings of anxiety. You can start with simple activities like taking a long walk or boating. Alternatively, spend time watching birds or having a picnic in a garden.

Why not take it further by incorporating sustainable habits into daily life? So, you could try walking to your workplace and cutting down on consumeristic shopping habits.

Eventually, you may feel encouraged to take proactive action to preserve these delights of the natural world. For example, consider joining a community group for environmental protection.

How about running for office to participate in policy-making? This approach decimates a prime contributor to mental anguish: inaction and a tendency to lean into passivity.

Eco-anxiety can be a challenging problem to manage. It burdens you with intrusive thoughts and feelings of bleakness about the future. It doesn’t help that the condition emanates from the palpable problem of climate change. Knowing your options for seeking help is a good starting point for adapting to the changed reality of our world.