Every day, our feed is filled up with at least one devastating climate change occurrence from some part of the world. Breaking up of gigantic glaciers, ruthless forest fires across continents, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, very evident effects of global warming on everyday life, and rampant health issues caused by an eroding nature have all spiked our anxieties and taken a toll on us.
What is Eco-Anxiety?
Take a moment to think about the emotions the above picture ignites in you. Is it helplessness? Heartbreak or fear? Anything on the verge of hopelessness, even?
When you feel distressed or worried or even hopeless by the idea of climate change, global warming and/or the world breaking down, it is climate anxiety. Another term for this is eco-anxiety.
Thinking about climate events can cause a mood shift, leading you to feel:
- grief,
- helplessness,
- anger,
- sadness,
- sleeplessness,
- or guilt.
Climate change is way bigger than any individual. The magnitude of this very intricate, complex crisis and the pace at which it is deteriorating look daunting to even begin with. It can give a sense of loss of control which can cause people to even feel depressed.
Eco-anxiety is affecting the youth A LOT!
Just look at some very worrying stats:
- Climate change is bound to put at least a billion children at "extremely high risk".
- A 'The Lancent' study says 84% of people in the age bracket 18-25 are "moderately worried" about climate change, while 59% are "very or extremely worried".
- Rising temperatures have shown links to more anger or stress or annoyance in people. More stress can cause sleeplessness and other health disorders.
- Eco-anxiety in young adults can spark higher risks of substance abuse & depression.
Why the youth feels sabotaged?
There are several reasons why Greta Thunberg rang a bell with millions of people around the globe. She echoes the sentiments brewing in the minds of the young: because of the obsession of previous generations with oil and coal, they are tasked with having to deal with the consequences of climate change and global warming - which already endangers their lives and future.
The youth feels they are now burdened with the responsibility of saving the planet when it could have been avoided by those in power had they shown the intent.
Where does social media come into the picture?
Coupled with the ever-presence of social media, these issues always seem to be in our faces. Issues always seem close and feel personal. Reason: because they are always a tap away. There is no detachment because our lives are so enmeshed with what's happening in the world.
We are constantly aware of the events; news travels faster today than at any point in the history of humans or their communication. Nevertheless, our instincts come into play, and recognising the danger of a planet's breakdown, they kickstart our stress mechanisms. This is when our anxiety hits in!
We cannot run away - after all, our lives are built around these running-on-attention social apps.
But climate anxiety is on the rise. The uncertainty about what the future will hold - if anything at all - is causing grave mental health issues, especially among the youth. And it makes sense.
The youth of today feels they have been sabotaged and uncared for by previous generations when it comes to climate and the future of the planet.
Obsessed with non-renewable resources, only a handful of entities are responsible for the collective breakdown of our Earth's biodiversity, nature, and its tipping points. And also, the youth.
So, what are 'Green Prescriptions'?
Researchers, scientists, doctors, and the rest of the academic community have repeatedly shown the positive effects of being surrounded by nature on human health. For instance, looking at a lot of the colour green helps in igniting calming emotions, soothing feelings and stress management.
Conventionally, the effects reported were largely psychological and emotional, but now, more and more studies illustrate how being in nature can also help in effective physical recovery!
The medical community in Canada, New Zealand & Japan have already started rolling out green prescriptions officially.
Green prescriptions, hence, mean spending time in nature. This is achieved by simple techniques like taking a stroll in a park, cycling, hiking, and sometimes even travelling to more nature-lush areas to feel calmer - leaving the stressful bustle of the cities.
Green prescriptions also allow you to be more 'present' in your moments, away from social media and the consequences of being ever-present and ever-active.
How does one deal with eco-anxiety?
- If you or someone you know struggles with this, know that their fears, concerns, and worries are valid.
- Look out for the good happening. Amid the hundred things one may find bleak online, you have to actively look for things that give you hope.
- Don't be afraid or guilty to mute, unfollow, or restrict certain people or accounts. Take a while to evaluate the kind of people, content, and accounts you engage with on your feed & how you respond to what you see. It is all right to even block them if they mess with your mental space.
Maturity is to know doing so is not personal. - Take action. One of the biggest reasons you feel helpless is because you feel you can't do much, or even anything. That is why associating & participating with your local climate groups - online or offline - can give you a feeling of being involved.
Most importantly, get rest!
Climate change is intimidating. Take adequate rest to refresh and rejuvenate yourself. You could even try out meditation!
Younger folks today are placing accountability on older generations and are demanding actions from them. Around the world, streets are filled with protestors, political manifestos now finally place the climate agenda, and more and more people are engaging as pressure groups & in the climate movement.
The young are bringing the change. Hold tight, rest well, engage, and change the world!
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