As a therapist, I’ve noticed more and more people struggling not just with their personal challenges, but also with a deep, growing unease about the world we live in. Climate change, once a distant idea, has become a part of our everyday lives, affecting us in ways we may not even realize. From anxiety and grief to trauma, the emotional toll of our changing environment is very real. This post describes how climate change can impact our mental health and offer some ways to help you navigate these tough feelings.
Climate Anxiety: The Weight of Worry
Climate anxiety, sometimes called eco-anxiety, is that gnawing fear, or even dread, many of us feel when we think about the future of our planet. It’s not just a worry about what might happen decades from now; it’s the stress we feel today as we watch wildfires, floods, and other extreme weather events unfold in real time. This anxiety can feel overwhelming because it’s tied to a problem that feels so big and out of our control.
If you’ve found yourself constantly worrying about the environment, feeling helpless, or avoiding conversations and news about climate change, you’re not alone. Studies show that many people, especially young adults, are feeling this way. A global survey found that nearly 60% of young people are extremely worried about climate change, and many feel let down by those in power who aren’t doing enough to protect our future (Hickman et al., 2021).
Eco-Grief: Mourning What’s Lost
Eco-grief is the deep sadness that comes from losing parts of the natural world we love—whether it’s a favorite park or beach, a forest, or just the way the seasons used to feel. This grief is not just about the environment; it’s about the memories, the sense of place, and the connection we have with the world around us.
You might feel this grief when you see a once-thriving park now parched and dry, or when you hear about the loss of wildlife and ecosystems. It’s a quiet, often lonely kind of sadness that can make you feel disconnected or even angry. It’s important to recognize that this grief is real and valid, even if it’s not always easy to talk about.
Climate Trauma: When Disasters Hit Home
For those who’ve experienced climate-related disasters, the emotional impact can be deeply traumatic. I know this firsthand—I went through it when the Woolsey Fire tore through my neighborhood in 2018. Watching the fire destroy my friends and neighbors homes, the loss of wildlife, and living in a charred and barren landscape was heartbreaking.
This kind of trauma isn’t just a one-time event. For many, the effects are ongoing—long after the flames are out or the floodwaters recede, the emotional scars remain. Studies have shown that survivors of disasters like hurricanes and wildfires often struggle with PTSD and depression for years afterward (Lowe et al., 2015). It’s a reminder that these events leave a lasting impact, not just on the landscape but on our hearts and minds.
Finding Ways to Cope
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, grief, or trauma related to climate change, it’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to help manage these emotions:
Give Yourself Permission to Feel: It’s okay to be sad, angry, or scared. These emotions are natural responses to what’s happening around us. Acknowledging how you feel is the first step toward healing.
Take Small Actions: Even little things like reducing waste, volunteering, or advocating for change can help you feel more in control. Taking action, no matter how small, can give you a sense of purpose.
Connect with Others: Sharing your feelings with people who understand can be incredibly comforting. Whether it’s a local group or an online community, connecting with others who care about the environment can help you feel less alone.
Set Boundaries with News: Staying informed is important, but so is taking care of your mental health. It’s okay to take breaks from the news when it becomes too much.
Seek Support: Talking to a therapist who understands the emotional impact of climate change can be a valuable step. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your feelings and develop strategies to cope.
One way I personally cope with my fears about the future and climate change is by intentionally noticing and appreciating the nature that’s still around me—the birds, the plants, the trees, and all the little things that we can still enjoy. In a world that often feels overwhelming, I find solace in the small moments of connection with the environment. Whether it’s a walk through your neighborhood, pausing to listen to a birdsong, or simply savoring your morning coffee outside, these moments can remind you that our Earth is still alive and vibrant. Even just 17 minutes a day spent outdoors can boost our mental well-being. If getting outside isn’t easy, bring nature indoors with houseplants or a small herb garden. It’s about finding the beauty in what’s still here, no matter where you are.
Resources for Emotional Support
If you’re struggling with the emotional impact of climate change, there are resources available to help:
Climate Psychology Alliance: As a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, I highly recommend their resources, including a directory of therapists who specialize in climate-related mental health issues, as well as articles, podcasts, and support groups designed to help people process their feelings about climate change.
Good Grief Network: This organization offers a 10-step program to help individuals build resilience and process eco-anxiety, eco-grief, and other climate-related emotions through community support.
Mind's Climate Anxiety Resources: Mind provides resources to help manage climate anxiety and offers practical tips and advice for those feeling overwhelmed by environmental issues.
Climate & Mind: This site gathers numerous helpful resources from different disciplines to help improve our understanding about how humans cope with climate change and other ecological crises, and provides resources for support.
Moving Forward Together
Climate change is something we all face, but it affects each of us in deeply personal ways. As a therapist who has also been touched by these changes, I’m here to offer a compassionate space where you can express your feelings without judgment. Together, we can find ways to cope, heal, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. We may not have all the answers, but we can support each other through these difficult times with understanding and care.
If you’re feeling the weight of these emotions, please know that you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out for support—I’m here to help you navigate this journey.