Eco-anxiety a ‘chronic fear of environmental doom’ or ‘climate anxiety’ an ‘extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change’ are rapidly on the increase. The WHO states it is the ‘biggest health threat facing humanity’(WHO 2022), UNICEF goes further, demanding governments listen this is not only a global climate crisis, it’s a mental health one, every year we are losing 46 000 children and young people to suicide(UNICEF 2021). A recent global study on children and young people discovered climate anxiety, ‘an extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change’ was prevalent in interviewees, 75% of respondents found the future frightening, 60% were very or extremely worried and more than 45% said it was affecting their day to day lives(Hickman et al 2021).
Like other forms of anxiety, eco-anxiety is an emotional response to something fearful: a fear that something bad is going to happen and you won’t be able to cope.This worry about the planet can lead to an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Symptoms range from panic attacks, overwhelming sadness, depression, or avoidance of doing everything you like, even going outside. It can have a profound effect on wellbeing and can be triggered in response to climate news, extreme weather or politicians who seem to not care. Children and young people can be particularly affected, it is their future and they have a right to be concerned.
How can I help?
Like other forms of anxiety we can use a wide range of CBT, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, relaxation, ACT and coping skills to help change your mindset and give you the skills to be able to cope. In particular the combination of CBT and Hypnotherapy has the best evidence base for treating anxiety of any other therapies. We can work together to ensure the environment remains an important part of your values but no longer distorts your everyday life experiences.
I offer a free 20 minute consultation, if you have any questions or are still unsure how I can help please feel free to contact me via phone or email.
