Climate change and Our Emotional Health

Feb 24, 2023 | Anxiety, Be present

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Here is a new topic gaining attention in research and mental health today: Ecological Grief. Today I want to talk about the multitude of emotions that come up when we think of climate change and what we can do to support ourselves as we grapple with a warming world and unstable weather. I hope this blog helps promote an understanding of the relationship of climate change and mental health.

What is it?

Ecological Grief, Climate anxiety, climate grief, eco-anxiety, solastalgia are some terms used to describe climate change-induced distress. It is described as the grief felt in relation to experienced or anticipated ecological losses, including the loss of species, ecosystems, and meaningful landscapes due to acute or chronic environmental change. (Cunsolo & Ellis, 2018)  

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first outlined the five stages of grief in the late 1960s. These stages can occur in any order or not at all. Using this framework, Steve Running, PhD a climate scientist described the following model for climate grief.

  1. Denial – Some folks deny that global warming is happening or that it is a problem. This can help avoid the pain associated with climate change.
  2. Anger – Anger can be felt in response to learning about climate change.
  3. Bargaining – When faced with the data, we may look for the silver lining.
  4. Depression – Grief can get heavy and people may experience depression.
  5. Acceptance – Coming to terms with climate change can help get us ready to explore solutions and reach a mindset to empower ourselves.

Why is it important?

As the perception or the impact of climate change on the environment is becoming a lived experience for more and more people, it’s no wonder that we are being negatively and emotionally impacted (Comtesse, 2021). Climate grief studies are brand new to us right now. There is so much we don’t know about how it impacts us and how it can be measured. What we do know, is that a growing body of evidence of climate change’s effects are linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress, or insomnia. 

A 2020 poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that 67% of Americans are somewhat or extremely anxious about the effects of climate change, and 55% are worried about its impact on their mental health. 

This has a disproportionate effect on our youth and younger generations like millennials and Gen-Z, as well as indigenous communities whose resources and livelihood depend on the land.

Coping with Climate Change

You are not alone in your community. I encourage you to reach out to local resources and environmental support groups like www.350seattle.org  to find a sense of support, empowerment, and resilience with like-minded people. Getting involved in environmental justice is empowering.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

 For individual support reach out to climate-informed mental health professionals and/or friends, neighbors, or family. Reaching out can be helpful in changing our perceptions and outlook on our problem.

In an NPR article, Author Julia Simon suggests that finding tools like mindfulness practice to engage with the present moment can help keep us grounded. The feelings you may be having are a normal response to an existential threat. Change the channel and don’t pay attention to inflammatory news media. Instead, go outside and connect with nature. 

Self-care is most important. Making sure we are at our best can really help with our own resilience towards handling our emotions. It’s no one individual’s responsibility to shoulder the task of saving the planet, but those little things that you do to help really matter.

Conclusion

Whether people have been directly impacted by natural disaster, or are suffer from the more ongoing anxiety-inducing threat of climate change, climate grief  has been hard on so many people’s mental health. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help. Schedule an appointment with a trained mental health care professional at Pacific Mental Health to find support in helping with these issues.

Resources

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Written By H Neville

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