Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed about the climate crisis? You’re not alone. There have been increasing reports of people who identify as experiencing eco-anxiety.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new phrase that captures the experience of those who are alarmed by the climate crisis, and is often twinned with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. It’s important to know, however, that it isn’t a recognised mental health disorder. In fact, eco-anxiety is a natural, rational response for those with an awareness and understanding of the environmental issues our beautiful planet is facing. The good news is that there are many ways to counter the effects and fear associated with eco-anxiety and, instead of focusing on the way we feel, can turn your concern into positive action for Earth, and yourself.

5 ways to manage eco-anxiety

applaud yourself for your climate positive actions

When we experience eco-anxiety, it can be easy to put pressure on ourselves as individuals to do more. Instead, why not take a step back and list all the ways that you are contributing to reversing climate change? Individual actions will not solve climate change, and the best hope we have is to find a true balance between Earth’s needs and our modern lives.

change where you get your news

Climate change is a difficult subject for many newsrooms—it’s so easy (and buzz-worthy) to fall into the doom and gloom narrative. However, every day new stories emerge that highlight how hopeful we should be. Positive News and Goodgoodgoodco both focus on good news and Mongabay offers inspirational stories from the frontline of conservation, with a detailed look at the events and innovations that are making a difference.

Some recent happy headlines include:

Daintree Forest, an Australian rainforest that covers almost 400,000 acres and borders the Great Barrier Reef was returned to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji, the original Aboriginal custodians of this land. Alongside the obvious positive of Aboriginal land being returned to rightful ownership, indigenous rights are vital to land conservation and allows for sustainable management of sites. via Nation of Change

More cities are beginning to build their own version of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor’s Mr Trash Wheel. Entirely solar and hydro-powered, this trash interceptor collects waste that flows to him, funnelling the trash into the large ‘mouth’ where it can be sorted for recycling or incinerated to generate electricity. via Good News Network

There was a huge win for the many opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline as President Biden revoked the US permit that its developers needed this summer, marking one of the first major victories for climate activists against the fossil fuel industry. via The Guardian

enjoy green spaces

Green spaces create positive mental health effects, naturally influencing anxiety levels, including those caused by eco-anxiety. Spending time outdoors gives us time to connect with ourselves and the wider world, and areas given over to a nature are a great way of reminding ourselves that all is not lost.

rethink the way you travel

From holidays to commutes, the way we travel is one of the most tangible changes we can make to improve our carbon footprint. It’s a simple, affordable, and achievable way to make a difference—and feeling a sense of accomplishment can help combat anxiety. For shorter, daily trips, choose walking or cycling. And when you need to go further afield, consider whether the distance would be better travelled by car sharing or train than by flying. When flying is the only option, opt for direct flights as these require less fuel than multi-leg journeys.

find a community that shares your values

With the right support, conversation and shared experiences, your feelings surrounding climate change will be validated and alleviated. From your own loved ones to climate action groups, who better to talk about all the good things you’re doing to lead a more sustainable life? Sharing is caring, and you’ll learn lots more tips on how to ensure your lifestyle is green, manageable, and eco-anxiety-free.

Obviously, community is huge for us content creators, and we hope eco club is a place to become more inspired and hopeful about living sustainably. Sign up for the eco club newsletter to get involved!