Mental health and climate change

 

Art by Josephine Wall

Well, of course.

If you worry about climate change at all, it affects your mental/emotional well being..

"The physical impacts of climate change are easy to see — storms that destroy homes, droughts that cripple farms and heat waves that kill... [and more!]

But what’s less apparent is the toll that climate change is taking on our mental health. More than two-thirds of people in the U.S. say they have experienced eco-anxiety, according to an American Psychological Association poll. Nearly half of young adults (ages 18-34) say the stress they feel about climate change affects their daily lives..."

It’s important to remember that these painful emotions are an entirely reasonable response to what’s happening. They’re a sign that we care and that we’re paying attention, not a sign that something is wrong with us...."

 Research shows that collective action — participating in action to make this better, alongside other people who care — can help reduce feelings of depression related to climate anxiety and bolster feelings of hope and solidarity. 

Actively participating in climate solutions is a potent reminder that solutions do exist. There’s so much we can do to contribute to the world we want..."

Many people feel like climate change is an existential crisis, and personally meaningful spiritual practices — whether it’s your faith, meditation, spending time in nature — can help ground you in difficult times. 

And finally, I would say, be prepared. We all know that extreme weather is here to stay. Having an emergency plan can really help ease anxiety and help us cope more skillfully and calmly in moments of crisis. "

These quotes are from an interview with mental health expert Elizabeth Bechard of Moms Clean Air Force by the Environmental Defense Fund, "Climate Change and your Mental Health," by Shanti Menon, April 4, 2024. It arrives in my inbox from "Vital Signs, the latest climate stories to make you think and give you hope."

RESOURCES

• For climate-focused mental health support, join a climate cafe to talk about climate emotions; try the Good Grief Network for structured, step-by-step peer support; or schedule an in-person or virtual visit with a climate-aware therapist.
• For emergency planning, see the severe weather checklists at Ready.gov, specific to just about any type of emergency. The book Prepping 101 is full of practical ideas about how families and communities can be more prepared and resilient when emergencies arise (and in spite of its name, it’s not about hoarding beans for the apocalypse). 
• Moms Clean Air Force has an extensive list of climate and mental health resources and more advice for parents and kids from Elizabeth Bechard.  

 

 Art by Josephine Wall