Picture a young college student, let’s say his name is Boyd, who has always dreamed of traveling the world. Yet instead of planning his adventures, he’s glued to his phone, scrolling through headlines, images, and videos of devastating hurricanes sweeping away homes, acute droughts plunging millions into food insecurity and water shortages, and wildfires engulfing entire communities. Each headline weighs heavily on his heart, filling him with a growing sense of dread about the future — and casting a shadow over his dreams of exploring the wonders of the world.
In the first half of 2024 alone, global losses from natural disasters reached a staggering $120 billion. This is more than the average losses for both the last decade, and the last 30 years.
If this makes you anxious about what the future could hold, you’re not alone.
In a 2021 survey of 10,000 young people aged 16 to 25 across ten countries, nearly 60% expressed deep worries about climate change. Even more tellingly, over 45% said their feelings about climate change affected their everyday lives.
Like Boyd, many young people are feeling overwhelmed and powerless in the face of the uncertainty and damage caused by climate change. This sense of dread is exacerbated by social media’s relentless coverage of these disasters, affecting our mental health and intensifying eco-anxiety.
Recently, eco- or climate anxiety has found its way into our collective vocabulary, and for good reason. As climate change escalates, many feel caught in a cycle of despair, perceiving themselves as too small to make a difference, which takes a toll on mental well-being. While it is important to recognize that these feelings are valid, they should not define us.
Here are five steps you can take to protect your mental health from eco-anxiety.
Stay Informed, but set boundaries: To reduce eco-anxiety, set healthy limits on consuming climate news. Take regular breaks, and prioritize headlines with positive narratives.
For instance, recent breakthroughs in renewable energy, particularly in solar power technology, are paving the way toward net-zero emissions by 2050. A prime example is the UAE’s Al Dhafra solar plant, the world’s largest solar park, which generates an impressive two gigawatts (GW) of carbon-free electricity — enough to power over 200,000 homes.
You can find uplifting stories on news platforms like the Global Citizen’s blog, Euronews Green, and Positive News. All of these sources regularly update readers on sustainability innovations and climate action, providing a refreshing balance amid the often overwhelming news cycle.
Reading positive stories like these can boost self-awareness, improve focus, and keep you connected to the present without feeling overwhelmed.
Prioritize mental health care: Incorporating stress reduction techniques like yoga, mindful walking, deep breathing, and meditation into your daily routine — and staying consistent — can help manage overwhelming emotions from eco-anxiety. There are many online resources available; for example, the Climate Psychiatry Alliance offers extensive materials on managing climate distress. Additionally, subscribing to apps like Headspace, Calm, and Breathwrk provide guided exercises and anti-anxiety techniques to support your mental well-being.
Seek professional support: The emotional effects of climate change can feel like a double bind, leaving you feeling trapped whether you take action or not. Seeking out a therapist can provide a safe space to process these feelings, inspire creative coping strategies, and help you feel empowered to make meaningful change — not just for yourself but for those around you.
Join a community: As the saying goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Connecting with like-minded individuals who also experience eco-anxiety can be a powerful way to manage mental stress.
Many of these groups organize events, workshops, and virtual meet-ups to share knowledge and practical skills to protect the environment. Joining such a community helps you see that you’re not alone and underscores that climate change is everyone’s reality, making each of our contributions valuable for the planet and future generations.
Take action: One effective way to reduce eco-anxiety is by incorporating small, achievable steps into your daily routine. Start with simple actions like minimizing single-use plastics, gardening, switching to energy-efficient appliances, or even signing a petition for world leaders to take immediate action to protect our world. Volunteering is another great way to connect with others who share your passion, and at the same time make a difference in your local community. As the U.S. elections approach, consider voting for candidates who prioritize climate action and green policies. These small actions contribute to a larger movement to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action.
Embracing a mindset of climate optimism is crucial for our mental well-being. By recognizing that every small step counts — whether it is joining a community, practicing mindfulness, talking to a therapist, or advocating for climate-friendly policies, we can turn eco-anxiety into actionable steps for a more sustainable world.
As Boyd begins implementing these strategies, he starts finding hope amidst despair. He realizes that while he cannot control everything happening globally, he can still play an essential role in defending the planet against the climate crisis. In nurturing his mental health, he rekindles his dreams of exploring the world, feeling empowered once again.