Global warming: The earth is growing hotter, making Malaysians more anxious. — SAM THAM/THESTAR
WITH hotter days and wetter rainy seasons, we can now see some of the effects of climate change in our daily lives.
It is no wonder that many people today are experiencing climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety.
A December 2022 national study by the Yale Programme for Climate Communication revealed that 64% of Americans were at least somewhat concerned about global warming and climate change.
Dr Britt Wray, from Stanford University’s Community-Minded Interventions For Resilience, Climate Leadership and
Emotional Wellbeing (Circle) at Stanford Psychiatry, said that climate anxiety should not be dismissed as overreacting or catastrophising, but rather recognised as a healthy response to a real existential threat.
However, she also noted that action alone is not a cure.
“Even those of us who work on climate issues every day still grapple with these feelings.
“As more people become aware of the climate crisis and the emotional dominoes that follow, the demand for resources and support continues to grow,” she said during her talk “Leveraging Emotions: Eco-anxiety, Planetary Health Action, and the Power in Feelings” at the 2024 Planetary Health Summit and 6th Annual Meeting plenary session held in Malaysia earlier this year.
Wray – also the creator of Gen Dread (gendread.substack.com), a free newsletter focused on building resilience and meaningful action in the face of climate grief – pointed out that frontline workers, especially climate and planetary health professionals face the most intense pressure.
“The stress for those on the frontlines is immense. There’s a sense of urgency to act and prevent harm, coupled with a deep moral responsibility.
“...Yet it often feels like no matter how much we do, it’s never enough, and we know the worst is yet to come,” she said.
There are several resources to help navigate the emotional complexities of climate issues, said Wray.
One is to reframe concern about the climate crisis as a source of connection, even though it can often feel isolating.
“Many people are eager for more open, meaningful discussions on the topic, and for creating communities around solutions,” she said.
“In fact, we often sit in silence with our difficult eco-emotions. Authentic conversations about how we’re feeling, in a space where those emotions are welcomed, can be both comforting and empowering, while also unleashing creativity.
“Sometimes, you just need to express your climate-related feelings with others who understand,” she added.
She also noted that it might be a good time to seek out a climate-aware therapist if individuals find themselves feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by the climate crisis.
“Another helpful way to cope with climate emotions is to understand how they manifest in people’s lives.
“By listening to stories about how others are integrating these tough feelings into their daily experiences and using them for greater meaning and action, we can feel less alone-and perhaps even inspired and energised,” she said. — Bernama
Signs and symptoms of climate anxiety:
> Physical symptoms
Fatigue
Headaches
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
> Emotional symptoms
Panic attacks
Constant worrying
Irritability
Depression
Self-isolating
Lack of motivation
Steps to take action
>Recognise
Recognising that it is causing stress and anxiety is important. This helps normalise the feelings. It is a normal reaction to an uncertain situation.
> Limit
Limit exposure to climate-related content. Get what you need to know from the news, then take a break. Rest your brain.
> Practise
Practise self-care: healthy eating, exercise, positive connections, fun activities.
> Connect
Get into nature. Get your fill of green in the park or even in your garden.
> Act
Get involved. Take action. This helps with overcoming the sense of “it’s too big, and I can’t do anything about it”.
> Reduce
Reduce your environmental footprint, from cooling to eating to transport, there are many adjustments you can make.
> Talk
Talk to your family and friends about climate change. Engage your local councillors and politicians.
> Find hope
Cultivate active hope. Change takes time.
Sources: Mental Health America, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
