Summary

The article discusses the author's personal struggle with eco-anxiety, the impact of climate change on mental health, and the potential therapeutic benefits of ecotherapy.

Abstract

The author of the article, after expressing a bleak outlook on the planet's future, discovers the concept of eco-anxiety—a chronic fear of environmental doom that is increasingly recognized by mental health professionals. This realization comes after an emotional response to a nature documentary, leading the author to research and reflect on their own symptoms and the broader implications of climate change on psychological well-being. The article details the symptoms of eco-anxiety, such as existential dread and guilt, and discusses the author's internal conflict regarding how to communicate the gravity of the situation to their children. The author, residing in rural France, contemplates the balance between fostering awareness and preserving youthful optimism. The piece concludes with an exploration of ecotherapy as a means to alleviate symptoms of eco-anxiety, emphasizing the healing power of nature-based activities and the importance of appreciating life's simple pleasures amidst the climate crisis.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the distressing nature of environmental issues, as evidenced by their inability to watch a documentary on the subject.
There is a recognition that the current generation of children may be desensitized to the severity of climate change due to its constant presence in the media.
The author expresses uncertainty about how much to inform their children about climate change, weighing the need for awareness against the desire to maintain their children's positive outlook.
The article suggests that ecotherapy could be an effective approach to managing eco-anxiety, with the author endorsing the benefits of connecting with nature and family.
The author admits to a shift in their own perspective, now embracing a more mindful and appreciative approach to life and the environment.

Climate Despair: My Confrontation With Eco-anxiety

My discovery of Eco-anxiety and its impact on my well-being

Recently, I happened to say to a friend that I thought it was the beginning of the end for the planet. Not a particularly cheerful thing to say but in my mind absolutely true.

My friend was at once concerned that I might be suffering from depression. I don’t believe I am but his words had an effect on me and after some research, I discovered the term eco-anxiety.

My discovery of eco-anxiety and how it relates to me happened when I sat down to watch the David Attenborough series ‘Our Planet’. I had to turn it off because I found it so distressing.

It’s not that I’m not aware of the environmental challenges our planet and its wildlife are facing, it’s just seeing it all laid out before me with all its devastating facts and figures that made me unable to continue watching.

So does this mean I suffer from eco-anxiety?

Defining Eco Anxiety

Eco-anxiety goes beyond the feeling of helplessness towards the state of the planet and is a real source of stress for many. The American Psychological Society has described it as ‘a chronic fear of environmental doom’.

The shifting climate and the uncertain fate of our planet have created a sense of despair. And, in light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and global catastrophes, it comes as no surprise that a substantial number of us grapple with genuine feelings of dread, uncertainty and hopelessness.

According to an article on Healthline, some of the symptoms of eco-anxiety are:

· Anger or frustration

· Existential dread

· Fatalistic thinking

· Guilt or shame

· Post-traumatic stress after experiencing the effects of climate change

· Feelings of depression, anxiety or panic

· Grief and sadness

· Obsessive thoughts

My Children’s Reaction To Climate Change

As for my children’s awareness of climate change, they’ve learned about the environment at school but it’s not a subject they discuss openly. Perhaps it’s because the current state of the planet seems normal to them. They’ve grown up with the constant news coverage of extreme weather events and natural catastrophes worldwide.

Are they conscious of what’s happening?

Should I be talking to them about how catastrophic the situation has become?

Living in a rural area in France, we are relatively unaffected by climate change compared to other regions around the world affected by floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Maybe for my children, the fact that they are not facing these disasters first-hand, they don’t entirely grasp the seriousness of the situation. I’m hesitant to shatter their positivity but am conscious of the need to balance their need for awareness with the preservation of their youthful optimism.

For the moment, I’ll continue to tell them to turn the lights off, throw the plastic in the recycle bin, stop wasting food and walk the 100 metres to the school gate.

Ecotherapy as a Path to Healing

Eco anxiety is not a diagnosable condition but it is recognized by mental health experts.

Ecotherapy covers different nature-based activities and outdoor therapy programs that can be used to help treat eco-anxiety.

These activities include forest therapy, wilderness therapy, animal-assisted therapy and gardening therapy which are all done under the supervision of a trained, professional therapist.

Being at one with nature and participating in ecotherapy has been linked to a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

My Approach to Life in the Face of Climate Change

My perspective on life in the face of climate change has shifted. Like so many, I’ve taken the planet for granted but the realisation of this inevitable change has ignited a newfound appreciation for the world around me.

I’m learning to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures and be more mindful when surrounded by natural beauty.

I also feel more connected to my family and realise the importance of being fully present in their company. And it has encouraged me to take meaningful action in support of causes that are close to my heart.