Eco-anxiety, while not widely discussed, is, in my opinion as a professional mental health advocate, widely experienced. Especially by younger generations like Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Zennials, and Millennials.
Eco-anxiety is more formally described, textbook style, as the extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by humans and the resulting climate change. With global warming becoming more and more evident in our daily lives, it is becoming increasingly common to experience eco-anxiety. Since eco-anxiety is becoming more typical in today’s world, we need to spread more awareness about anxiety in general, and how to cope with eco-anxiety in particular.
I first experienced eco-anxiety when I was about 5 or 6 years old (for reference, I am 26 now). Being new to reading at the time, I loved finding out new things, and remember especially loving National Geographic for Kids magazine. So, when I found out that our climate, world, and all these adorable animals I was seeing in these magazines were (and still are) endangered to the point of extinction by humans, I was beyond devastated. And that’s a very universal experience to have. To learn about this amazing world is to also learn all that is wrong with it and hurting within.
Photo of cute baby elephants via Pinterest
While 20 years later, I definitely still have eco-anxiety, I am able to manage it so much better now that I really understand it.
One of the most helpful things to understand about anxiety is that it loves to worry about everything. Often, to feel comfortable, anxiety almost needs something to worry about, or else it will worry about everything in the vicinity. So, it helps to either give your anxiety something to worry about, or, to take some sort of action to help improve or monitor the situation you are anxious about.
Here are 10 of my favorite ways to manage and work with eco-anxiety:
1. Support indigenous communities who help take care of our earth.
Support Indigenous Communities graphic by ATSO made in Canva
A few great places to start are Native Americans in Philanthropy and Indigenous Peoples Movement. There are so many amazing Indigenous communities to support globally. While indigenous peoples comprise about 6% of the world’s population, indigenous peoples and communities protect 80% of the remaining world’s biodiversity.
Supporting indigenous communities is supporting the planet.
2. Learn more about recycling so you can make more conscientious purchases, plus have more control and impact in regards to what is actually recycled.
Recycle, reuse, and reduce graphic via Pinterest, suncatcherstudio
While many items are labeled as recyclable, many of our local recycling centers only recycle plastic products with the number 1 or 2 in the center of the recycling triangle symbol. So when purchasing plastic products, aim to buy products labeled no higher than 2. Many towns and districts will also provide you with more specific information on what you can and cannot recycle.
Knowing you are being deliberate about your actions when it comes to purchasing can help alleviate eco-anxiety.
3. Pick up plogging (going for a walk or jog, and bringing a bag to pick up trash along the way).
Image of hiker plogging via Pinterest
I love plogging because it is a great way to help the planet, a great workout plus outdoor activity, and it comes with a great serotonin and dopamine boost when you are done! Make sure to keep some hand sanitizer on hand, and to shower after. Personally speaking, I’ve come across some gross items, so I pick those up with sticks, and make sure to shower right after plogging. You can also bring gloves with you if you really want to avoid contact with trash.
Bonus points if you bring a separate bag for recyclables!
4. Donate to a charity dedicated to helping the environment.
Rainforest Trust Logo
Some of my favorites are the Rainforest Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Donating what you can to charities dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment is a great way to support critical ecosystems even from afar.
When you donate to charities like the Rainforest Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, you directly support initiatives and endeavors to protect, preserve, and restore the environment. Even if you donate only a dollar, thank you!
5. When your eco-anxiety flares up, remind yourself of all the positive things you do and can do for the environment.
You can do this graphic by ATSO made in Canva
The little things do matter, and they add up to big things! We are all human, and no one can be perfect all of the time. And we definitely don’t live in a perfect world, so it is completely okay if you can’t always be as eco-friendly as you would want to be. Do what you can, and remember that even the smallest actions help make a big difference.
You’ve got this, and try not to let your eco-anxiety discount all of the positive things you have done.
6. Sign petitions to promote the well-being of the environment.
Sign petitions graphic by ATSO made in Canva
My go-tos are GreenPeace and Friends of the Earth, and I especially love being on their email list. I like it because this way, they send petitions to help protect the earth directly to my inbox, so I can always stay involved in protecting the environment.
Their websites are also great places to visit to find petitions to help support the earth and call for more environmentally responsible legislation. When my eco-anxiety flares up, GreenPeace and Friends of the Earth are two of my go-to sites. Taking action can help alleviate eco-anxiety, helping us to face our fears and anxieties head-on.
7. Watch more shows and movies involving eco-preservation as a plot point to help you process your feelings, feel inspired, and support representation in media!
Cidade Invisível Show image via Netflix
When you watch shows and movies that represent Indigenous communities, you are helping to support representation in media, plus increasing viewings. More viewings mean more renewed series and funded shows that represent Indigenous communities, stories, and values.
One of my favorites is the Brazilian series, ‘Cidade Invisível’, or ‘Invisible City’. I think it’s one of the best shows in terms of accurate and respectful representation of indigenous peoples. #representationmatters
8. Remind yourself that there are MANY other people out there (cough, cough, like me and countless others) who are also working towards a more environmentally responsible world.
Earth day every day graphic by ATSO made in Canva
You are not in this alone! There are many people and activists all over the world who are also working towards a more eco-responsible world. When we work together, we really can make a huge difference.
I know it’s daunting, and living with eco-anxiety can be scary. But when we work together, we can accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
9. Practice your coping mechanisms for anxiety when you can, and find one you really like that can become your go-to in moments of need.
Coping skills for mental health success. Practice helps make you stronger. Ask The Stubborn Optimist
Coping mechanisms really are so important for positive mental health. It is helpful to customize your coping skills for your specific conditions and concerns.
Need some inspiration or ideas for new coping skills? Read our other blog posts on mental health and coping skills. Want me to compile a customized list of coping skills and mental health resources for you? Let me know! Book an affordable mental health guidance and support session with me here!
10. Remember that this is not all on you, so if you can’t be perfectly eco-friendly all the time, that is completely fine. Do what you can, when you can. I am so proud of you.
I’m proud of you graphic by ATSO made in Canva
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the current news and state of the environment. So when you feel like the entire weight of the world is on your shoulders, remember that you can still take a break. This is not just on you, and no matter how lonely you may feel, you are never truly alone.
I am proud of all that you do, and I am also proud of you for taking care of yourself and forgiving yourself for being human.
Thank you for taking care of yourself, your eco-anxiety, and our environment! And happy Earth Month! I am so thankful you exist.
Always yours,
Sara, ATSO
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