As climate change and environmental degradation become ever more pressing issues, many of us are feeling the weight of the world’s future on our shoulders. While environmental movements and calls for action grow louder, another issue is also on the rise: eco-anxiety. This term describes the growing fear and anxiety caused by the threat of environmental collapse, and it’s becoming a significant mental health challenge in a world increasingly concerned about the planet’s future [1].
What Is Eco-Anxiety?
Eco-anxiety is a term used to describe the overwhelming feelings of worry, helplessness, and distress caused by environmental problems such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, eco-anxiety goes beyond general concern; it’s a chronic feeling of dread and unease about the planet’s future and how it will impact both nature and humanity.
Unlike typical worries about personal life events, eco-anxiety is rooted in a sense of global crisis. It often manifests as persistent thoughts about the worsening state of the environment, including fears of extreme weather, rising sea levels, and the extinction of species. The unpredictable and uncontrollable pace of environmental changes can leave individuals feeling powerless and disconnected, amplifying feelings of anxiety and despair [2].
Signs of Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety doesn’t always present itself in the same way. People experience it differently based on their personalities, life circumstances, and the degree of exposure they have to environmental issues. Here are a few common signs that you might be experiencing eco-anxiety:
Constant worry about the future: You find it hard to stop thinking about how climate change will affect your life and the lives of future generations.
Physical symptoms of anxiety: Increased heart rate, restlessness, or feelings of panic when hearing about environmental disasters or reading news about the state of the planet.
Feeling of powerlessness: You feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the environmental crisis and struggle to see how individual actions can make a difference.
Hopelessness or despair: A persistent belief that the damage is irreversible, and that no efforts are enough to stop the deterioration of the environment.
Disconnection from the present: A sense of being “stuck” in a future that feels bleak, which can make it difficult to engage with your day-to-day life.
While these feelings are valid and understandable, they can also be isolating and difficult to cope with. That’s why it’s essential to take steps to manage and overcome eco-anxiety.
Why Eco-Anxiety Is on the Rise
There are several reasons why eco-anxiety is becoming a more widespread issue, especially in recent years. A large part of the problem lies in the growing volume of information we are exposed to daily. News stories about wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, and droughts are more frequent, and they paint a grim picture of the future. Additionally, the availability of information on social media, coupled with activists and climate scientists speaking out about the urgency of the crisis, can cause feelings of overwhelm, particularly among younger generations.
Social media platforms amplify these fears by often focusing on worst-case scenarios or by creating an echo chamber of anxiety, where it seems everyone shares the same sense of doom. When you see countless posts about environmental disasters or hear alarmist warnings about the planet’s fate, it’s easy to feel trapped in a cycle of worry.
Furthermore, eco-anxiety often affects people who are already socially and politically active. As these individuals witness the struggle for environmental justice, they can feel the weight of their personal responsibility to act. However, when tangible change seems slow or nonexistent, the stress of trying to do something meaningful can create a sense of inadequacy and fear.
Coping with Eco-Anxiety
While eco-anxiety is a legitimate concern, it’s important to remember that there are ways to manage it and reduce its impact. Here are some coping strategies to help alleviate the stress associated with environmental fears:
Focus on what you can control: It’s easy to feel helpless when facing the enormity of climate change, but small, intentional actions can help reduce feelings of powerlessness. Whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint, supporting sustainable businesses, or participating in community cleanups, taking action—even if it’s a small step—can boost your sense of control and make a tangible difference.
Engage in activism or community involvement: Getting involved in grassroots movements or local environmental organizations can be an empowering way to contribute to the fight against climate change. Connecting with others who share your values can help counter feelings of isolation and build a support network that fosters hope and determination.
Limit media consumption: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to distressing environmental news can exacerbate eco-anxiety. Consider curating your media intake and balancing it with uplifting content, such as stories of successful environmental initiatives or advancements in green technologies. Create boundaries around how much time you spend consuming news about the environment, and allow yourself breaks from overwhelming content.
Practice mindfulness and self-care: Like any form of anxiety, eco-anxiety can be alleviated by taking time for self-care and grounding yourself in the present moment. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, or simply spending time in nature, can help you feel more connected to the world around you without becoming overwhelmed by what you can’t control. Additionally, physical activity like walking, yoga, or gardening can help release pent-up anxiety and keep your mind focused on the present.
Talk to a professional: If eco-anxiety is significantly affecting your mental health, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist. A mental health professional can help you develop strategies to cope with your fears and provide a safe space for you to process your emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in challenging the thought patterns that fuel anxiety and in reframing your perspective on environmental issues.
Build community resilience: Strengthening relationships and networks within your local community can help foster a sense of collective resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Join or start community-based initiatives focused on sustainability, or simply connect with others who share your concerns. This sense of solidarity can provide both emotional support and practical solutions.
The Power of Hope
Although it’s natural to feel anxiety about the future of the planet, eco-anxiety can also be a call to action—a reminder of how connected we are to the environment. By focusing on solutions, supporting one another, and engaging in positive change, we can shift our anxiety into productive action and collective hope for a better future.
Ultimately, the key to managing eco-anxiety is recognizing that you are not alone in this journey, and that every small effort toward environmental protection counts. If you need some extra support with managing your anxiety symptoms, we’re here to help. Head over to our website to find out more about our programs and how they might support you in navigating your eco-anxiety.
References
[1] Kurth, C., & Pihkala, P. (2022). Eco-anxiety: What it is and why it matters. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 981814.
[2] Pihkala, P. (2020). Anxiety and the ecological crisis: An analysis of eco-anxiety and climate anxiety. Sustainability, 12(19), 7836.
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