In the latest episode of Ours To Protect, we take a look at the rise in anxiety and stress surrounding climate change and the climate crisis in younger people.
Orla hears from people in the South East what they worry about, chats to psychotherapist Caroline Hickman on why this is happening, and highlights how you can focus on what you can control, rather than what you can't.
What is Climate Anxiety?
Climate anxiety is fundamentally distress about climate change and its impacts on the landscape and human existence. That can manifest as intrusive thoughts or feelings of distress about future disasters or the long-term future of human existence and the world, including one's own descendants
How does it Climate Anxiety impact people?
Also known as “Eco-anxiety”, it does not affect everyone equally. In fact, it tends to be more prevalent among people who are more aware about the protection of the environment. The symptoms include the following: slight cases of anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, nervousness, etc.
Who does Climate Anxiety affect most?
According to Lancet, climate anxiety and dissatisfaction with government responses are widespread in children and young people in countries across the world and impact their daily functioning. A perceived failure by governments to respond to the climate crisis is associated with increased distress.
The National Institute of Health found that those who are most informed about the current danger, such as scientists, journalists, students or activists, often express the most intense fears – and anxiety heightened by feeling isolated in a culture of denial.
Here are some tactics that can help you develop healthy coping skills around climate change.
- Focus on what you can control. Climate change is a complex issue.
- Avoid overload.
- Practice compassion.
- Take a break from climate news.
- Remember that you're not alone.
- Talk to someone about how you're feeling.
To find out more:
https://www.colorado.edu/health/blog/climate-anxiety
https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers
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Ours to Protect is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
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