CLIMATE ANXIETY & GRIEF

The impacts of climate change, like damage to property or loss of life resulting from an environmental event such as a hurricane, flooding or fire, can impact public health, which includes mental health. (American Psychiatric Association)

“The intersection between the climate emergency and mental and physical health will become one of the world’s major issues.”

- Dr Courtney Howard, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

CLIMATE ANXIETY

According to the Canadian Psychological Association, anxiety associated with climate change can be experienced before, during or after a climate-related event:

Before a climate-related event: this can be triggered by warnings of events like hurricanes, storms, fires and floods and cause people to worry about their personal safety or the safety of loved ones. Anxiety can also be triggered when people consider the possibility of impending and serious environmental problems (like climate change).

During a climate-related event: mental health can be affected during a rapid onset climate event, when they quickly lose property or even loved ones due to a climate disaster like a flood or fire. Mental health can also be affected by slow environmental changes that have happened over time such as significant losses to biodiversity, landscapes and livelihoods

After a climate-related event: far-reaching and long-lasting health impacts can be experienced when people have suffered the loss of loved ones, community, homes, livelihoods and belongings due to a climate-related event. These health impacts may include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, despair, aggression, interpersonal difficulties, substance abuse, and even suicide.

Anxiety about climate change and what the future holds are growing mental health concerns among young people. In many cases, this anxiety can be what drives people to get involved in climate solutions. It is important for climate activists to address climate anxiety by making space for people to discuss it, and providing opportunities for individuals to become involved in climate actions that may help to reduce this anxiety.

HOW TO DEAL WITH CLIMATE ANXIETY & GRIEF

The best approach to responding to climate anxiety and grief is to tackle it head on. Some strategies for youth to address climate anxiety with their peers, based on research:

Convey that it is normal and natural to have strong emotional responses to climate change
Provide space for people to express and discuss their feelings about climate change
Channel emotional responses in creative and constructive work, and focus on solutions - this ties into climate action!

In terms of actually dealing with climate grief and anxiety, the Australian Psychological Society outlines some practical strategies that people can try out to manage distressing feelings about climate change, once they have had a chance to discuss them. These include:

Behavioural strategies: Things we can do to manage distressing feelings

Take action
Take a break
Have fun, feel good
Maintain healthy routines
Focus on only a few issues

Relational strategies: Ways to use our relationships with others to help us cope

Share concerns, thoughts and feelings with trusted friends and family
Spend social time with people who share your values
Belong to a group of people who want to work on projects together with you, or act as a support

Cognitive strategies: Ways we can use our thinking to help cope with distressing feelings

Drop judgments, ‘shoulds’ and assumptions
Balance action with reflection
Cultivate hope
Restore ourselves mentally

RESOURCES & TOOLS

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE):

CAPE is an organization that mostly aims to undertake research and training for doctors, but they have tons of useful information about the health implication of climate change, including mental health. This Webinar by CAPE on Eco-Anxiety and Mental Health is for physicians but is very understandable for others as well - it can help to understand some of the research being done now, and best strategies going forward.

Resources to Cope With Climate Anxiety and Grief - The Commons: The Commons: Social Change Library is an Australian-based online collection of resources to inform and equip movements for social and ecological justice.

Coping with Climate Change Distress: This booklet produced by the Australian Psychological Society has some great, easy to read tips on how to cope with climate grief, stress and anxiety.

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