Reading the news today is a recipe for anxiety: floods, bushfires, breakdowns in complex environmental systems, habitat loss and more populate our reading and remind us of the fragile earth that we live on.

Repeated international reports detail how human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are fuelling a rise in global temperatures, creating an unstable and disaster-prone environment – all at the touch of our fingertips.

For many people, especially those born in the last 20-30 years, these reminders can manifest individually as eco-anxiety, otherwise known as a “chronic fear of environmental doom” (American Psychological Association). For younger people looking to their future, the idea of living on a planet which is slowly becoming more and more dangerous to live on is a sad reminder of our interwoven responsibilities to each our and to the earth. A survey by mental health provider headspace last year showed that of 3000 people aged 18-25, over half feared for their future because of the increasing impacts of climate change. 

Eco-anxiety can present as mild stress or develop into a clinical disorder such as depression or chronic anxiety, and can manifest in unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol or substance misuse. You may find yourself unable to sleep, ruminating on reports about biodiversity loss or coral bleaching or constantly feeling guilty about your individual contributions or emissions.

Mental health practice that is aware and adept to work with people and communities dealing with the impacts of climate change, from disaster relief to eco-anxiety, is crucial moving into the next decades of the climate crisis.

Part of this is recognising that individuals cannot be held responsible for the actions of large corporations which create most carbon emissions and pollute the earth, nor for the greed of corporate shareholders. Working in and with community to champion an approach that is greener, empathetic and kind to those dealing with the aftermath of disaster and suffering is key to better mental health outcomes.

The Australian Counselling Association is a member of the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) – a coalition of health professionals which advocates for climate informed mental health policy, and recognises the role of eco-anxiety in our modern age.

In your everyday life, speaking to a mental health practitioner such as a counsellor can help to understand and alleviate some of your worries and concerns around the climate, such as eco-anxiety.

Counsellors provide a safe space to talk about your fears, and all found through the ACA’s Find a Counsellor directory are qualified, competent and professionally registered. A counsellor can offer a framework to deal with your anxiety while validating your concerns, and give you tools to continue living well.

Coping with the climate crisis in all its forms cannot be done alone, and this includes taking care of your mental health.