Floods. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Fires. It seems like we’re experiencing one life-changing natural disaster after the next. Scientists attribute most of them to climate change.
Anxiety is a reaction most of us have when we’re worried about something that’s going to happen in the future. Eco-anxiety is anxiety specific to worries about climate change and the future of the Earth and its inhabitants.
If you’re experiencing eco-anxiety, it can help to do something about it.
First, take action in your own life. What can you do in your personal life to combat climate change? Recycling, riding in a car less, and paying attention to how much plastic you use are all helpful.
You can also take actions in your community: cleaning up litter you find, educating others, making a community garden. It can help to realize that others care too and your combined efforts will go farther.
But what happens when you’re still experiencing fear and even grief? Have some compassion for yourself. Let yourself feel the feelings.
Pushing away our feelings, or refusing to acknowledge them, doesn’t work for long. Eventually we need to just be with them.
Accept that you are only one person. Climate change is a bigger problem than you alone can solve. Do your part. Encourage others to do theirs. Enjoy what you love about the earth. Take care of plants. Go outside. Feel the sun on your face. Cherish Mother Nature.
