Ecoanxiety: when fear of the climate crisis turns into disease

After chaining one heat wave after another and observing the effects of devastating fires, or “it will be the hottest summer in history”, it is human to worry. For this reason, the list of words beginning with the prefix “eco” is growing: “Ecoanxiety”, “Ecocide”, “Ecoenfado”, “Ecoinsomnia”.

Therefore the ecoansiedad it reappears as an engine capable of raising awareness of what is happening on the planet, but at the same time it risks instilling fear and paralyzing the panic that all action is useless.

There American Psychological Association defines it as “the chronic fear of undergoing environmental cataclysm which is produced by observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for the future of oneself and future generations”. This fear, according to a 2022 publication in The Lancet on mental health and climate change, even causing “loss of appetite, insomnia and panic attacks”.

The realization that the earth resources are about to collapse affects Mental Health. Stopping the progress of global warming is key to our survival as a species, but also to our future well-being. In short, there is still hope for the present and the future of our planet. For this, it is vital to promote individually and collectively the profound transformations and paradigm shifts that humanity needs.

Against climatic depression (generic name with which this type of problem is included), a healthy life is the best recipe.

By this we mean a correct sleep hygiene and a balanced diet, as well as an active social life, with the presence of our loved ones. But, in addition, the experts give some advice to avoid falling into the excessive worry by the weather and its consequences on our health.

Mala Rao and Richard Powell, from the Department of Primary Care and Public Health of the imperial college londonthey said in the British medical journal that eco-anxiety “risks aggravating health and social inequalities in people who are more or less vulnerable to these psychological effects”. Experts say it’s important to think about what can be done to mitigate rising levels of climate anxiety.

“The best chance of increasing optimism and hope among eco-anxious young and old is to ensure they have access to the best and most reliable information on mitigation and adaptation. to climate change,” they said. “Especially important is gaining insight into how they could connect more closely with nature, contribute to greener choices at the individual level, and associate with like-minded communities and groups.”

On the other hand, new research also published in the BMJ suggests that changing unhealthy behaviors could be the key to achieving net emission of greenhouse effect zero by 2050.

Theresa Hammer, of the University of Cambridge, said technological innovation alone would be insufficient. “Adopting a predominantly plant-based diet and doing most commuting by combining walking, cycling and public transport would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health,” he said.

Specialists have asserted that undertaking SharesFor little whatever they are, to fight against the destruction of the environment, for example, can contribute to overcome the feeling of helplessness that many young people face. Ecological anxiety is less overwhelming when you feel like you are doing something about it.

“If we don’t find a way to feel hope or a sense that we’re working on solutions, we’ll likely experience paralysis and anxiety,” he told the magazine. TimeChristie Manning, Director of Sustainability and Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Many people find that meaning when they are part of a community, so it is important to look for others. “If I worry about the climate crisis and hang out with people who don’t share that worry, I start to feel pretty lonely. But if I join one community that feels the same fear that me and we act together, I feel that welfare and I feel validated,” she added.

For Manning, “As human beings, we all have untapped power to change the world around us. People often fail to commit to eating less meat or pursuing less lofty goals, but we know that these individual actions are not what it will take to solve this crisis.

She suggests motivating yourself — or others — to “take bold steps,” like reaching out to elected officials or forming a club that builds a community solar farm. “These are the types of actions that have a huge ripple effect and can trigger systemic change. And individuals have the power to take these actions. We must encourage them and help them overcome their discomfort,” he concluded.

It can also help focus on positive, solution-oriented climate news, rather than just negative developments. Most psychologists stress that while it is important to have hope and foster optimism, it is not up to individuals to resolve the crisis, a burden that can itself fuel guilt and grief. anxiety.

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