How To Define And Cope With Climate Change Anxiety

Climate change is a very real threat to our current lives and our future. But is anxiety around climate change helpful? And, if it’s not helpful, are there ways to avoid it? Sarah Lowe, a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health, recently spoke to MSNBC about the different types of climate change anxiety and when it’s time to seek help.

Anxiety about current disasters

Climate change is currently causing major disruptions across the world. Wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other severe weather events have upended people’s homes and way of life. 

Disasters are stressful on a very basic level. Losing your home or property is extremely traumatic. Unfortunately, to those prone towards aggression or violence, this stress can lead to abusive behavior, further exasperating the issue. 

Besides the direct mental health issues caused by current disasters, there are also the longer term effects like PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety, and substance use.

How to help minimize anxiety about current disasters

The best way to minimize anxiety about climate change disasters is to be prepared. Lowe recommends having a plan in place for dealing with the after-effects of severe weather. She also stresses the importance of community care.

“At the community level, investing in infrastructure to shield people from exposure, whether that’s creating housing that’s able to withstand a disaster or not creating housing in low lying areas, investing in generators, having plans in place to evacuate whole communities together, building trust between government entities and community leaders and organizations. As much as we can shield people from the really traumatic exposures that happen during disasters, the better it will be for mental health.”

Lowe also emphasized the responsibility that companies and governments have in disaster management. She notes that ensuring good housing, gainful employment, health care, and mental health services are all essential in easing anxiety and allowing people to function after climate disasters.

It is also extremly important to ensure that children have healthy support systems. According to Lowe, what that would mean in schools is “building in a socio-emotional curriculum to foster the psychological capacities that promote resilience — a sense of agency, goal-orientation, hope, social skills and social support, a sense of purpose, emotion regulation.”

Anxiety about future climate emergencies

Beyond the immediate threat of severe weather is the impending sense of doom that many of us feel about the future. This form of existential anxiety, while not about immediate issues, can prohibit people from living a full and  productive life.

Even though this type of anxiety can take a profound toll on our mental health, Lowe says that many psychologists hesitate to call it trauma because it’s not a direct life threat or threat to one’s physical integrity or a sexual violation. 

Whatever way this type of anxiety is classified, Lowe notes that news of places affected by disasters can lead to symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress, including nightmares, avoidance, an exaggerated startle response, disruptions in sleep, etc… all mental health issues which can be deeply problematic. 

While ignoring the very real threat of climate change is not realistic or advisable, obsessive thoughts about it should be managed.

How to help alleviate anxiety about future climate emergencies

Lowe first emphasizes the importance of validating people’s emotions about climate change. “Really take the time to listen to younger people about what their concerns are. And also just recognize that it is okay, and completely valid to be sad about losses in ecosystems, to be anxious about the future of humanity, to have these feelings.”

Lowe says that while anxiety can be troubling, it can also serve a purpose in that it motivates action. She acknowledges that one of the most important things you can do to help minimize anxiety is to take steps to fight climate change. Engaging in action to fight climate change can foster a sense of agency and empowerment, and provide people with increased community support. 

When to get help for anxiety

While anxiety can motivate people to take action, it can also prevent them from living a full life. Lowe says that there are some clear signs that extra help is needed for anxiety about climate change. 

“If you are unable to go to work or to your classes at all, or, if when you’re there, you’re totally preoccupied by your anxiety and not performing as you usually would, that’s a sign their anxiety is clinical in nature. If your friends and family have noticed that you seem sad or anxious or you’re distracted or irritable, getting into more fights, or you don’t really want to spend time with people, and you want to self isolate, that would be a sign. If you are so distressed that it’s leading to somatic symptoms, such as you’re unable to get rest, to fall asleep and stay asleep, you’ve lost your appetite. And certainly if you’re having thoughts of death, dying, self injury — those are all warning signs.”

If you or someone you love is exhibiting any of these more severe signs of anxiety about climate change, it’s essential to get professsional help.  With the proper gudance, most people can move from a place of crippling fear to one of positive action.