What is eco-anxiety?
By Sophia Bolton
Wild Coast Sussex Admin and Communications Officer
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of eco-anxiety, especially following COP26 and the dire predictions about the climate and ecological emergency, together with the urgent need to act now to prevent further climate breakdown.
Eco-anxiety – defined as the chronic fear of environmental doom, is a term that has only come into common use in the last five years or so, and I for one am grateful to finally have a word to describe my feelings on the state of the world. A recent study of child psychiatrists in England showed that more than half are seeing children and young people distressed about the climate crisis. The issue really does seem to be focused in the 16-25 age group though can of course be experienced throughout one’s life.
Here are some top tips for coping with fears for the future of our environment
- Spending time in nature – encouraging a positive connection with nature can help you remain grounded. Focus on different textures, smells and sounds. The aim is to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed in a similar way to techniques recommended by mental health professionals for anxiety. Spending time on, in and by the sea can be especially powerful.
- Refocussing on the positives – there are good news stories everywhere and Sussex Wildlife Trust works every day to conserve nature in our county, from nature reserve management to environmental education and community wildlife projects. Look for positive news further afield too, such as the huge new coral reef that was very recently discovered off the coast of Tahiti. Balance the doom with bloom.
- Get educated – the more we learn, the more we understand the wider issues at play, and as a result, the resolutions. If we can comprehend the issues, then we can entrust ourselves and our communities to do something about it.
- Take action – getting involved in campaigns, making greener choices in your personal life and volunteering with local organisations can all help build perspective. In addition, surrounding yourself with a community of others experiencing similar worries whilst actively making positive changes to the world can be incredibly empowering.
You can also check out upcoming Wild Coast Sussex events over on Eventbrite, to join us and other like-minded 16-25s in spending time by our amazing coastline.
For me personally, spending time by the sea helps me to realise I am just one small drop in a huge ocean of possibilities and allows me to consider the bigger picture at play.
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Find out more about the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Wild Coast Sussex project here.