Every one of us is feeling the effects of the climate’s ups and downs, melting glaciers, and record-breaking hot waves. Since it is a result of climate change, it makes each of us feel afraid.
More than two-thirds of people report having “eco-anxiety,” and more than a quarter of people report having a lot of that stress, according to a recent survey by The Harris Poll, which was conducted in December. Eco-anxiety is characterized as being worried or concerned about climate change and its immediate implications.
When people between the ages of 18 and 34 were observed thinking about a world on the approach of environmental collapse, they were observed anxious and stressed about climate change.
More than 60% of those who responded to the study claimed to have changed as a result of climate change. More than three-quarters of respondents chose to minimize waste by reusing and recycling products, improving house insulation, and reducing the usage of utilities like water, heat, and electricity.
People with eco-anxiety were found to feel a greater urge to change than the general population. Only 2/3 of respondents were able to make changes like carpooling, walking or biking more often, eating less red meat, or going vegetarian or vegan, despite their best efforts.
People are concerned about the environment, but according to Arthur C. Evans, Jr., CEO of the APA, there are strategies to deal with these problems and manage stress.
Evan suggests a few ways to keep eco-anxiety and stress in control-
- GET KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
Evan claims that learning about the as-yet-unknown components of climate change may aid in reducing its stress. One should be mindful of what they can lose and how even tiny actions from each of them can help.
2. FIND SOLUTIONS TO ALL THE STRESSORS IN LIFE AND NOT JUST FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
When compared to other kinds of worry, eco-anxiety is undoubtedly distinct and different, yet it also feels the same. It is critical to consider stress associated with climate change as a component of mental health rather than as a distinct illness. One can be dealing with financial, relationship, professional, or physical stress in addition to climate change stress, which can heighten worry over the issue. Therefore, it is crucial to address those problems. If you need it, consider contacting a specialist.
According to Evans, the more stress you encounter, the more likely it is that you’ll experience more psychological stress.
- TURN NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE
Research has shown that changing negative beliefs can lessen stress, anxiety, and sadness. “It is reconsidering an issue that may seem vast and vague and putting that into the right context,” according to Evans.
Attempt to concentrate on the current moment while you are having end-of-the-world ideas. Never stop searching for the bright side of things. Positive thought transformation skills help people deal with difficult ideas, feelings, and circumstances better.
4 . LOOK FOR EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
According to an APA survey, half of the adults have no idea how or where to begin fighting climate change.
The typical person can change their habits in substantial ways, even while it is true that governments and the corporate sector have the most power to make large changes.
It can be accomplished by consuming less red meat, lowering carbon emissions, conserving electricity, etc.
Participating in protests and strikes can draw attention to the problem and motivate others to take action.
People can take action in their neighborhoods, according to Evans. Participate in letter-writing campaigns, volunteer work, political activity, and public lobbying to combat climate change.
- IMPROVE RESILIENCE
To combat eco-anxiety, resilience can be strengthened. Enhancing resilience, in Evan’s opinion, is easy. Simply maintaining a social network of friends and relatives will suffice to accomplish this. Strong social and emotional support has been shown to improve overall well-being. It can lessen the psychological stress that people typically experience following a calamity.
We are aware that one of the most powerful determinants of how people are doing psychologically is social support, according to Evan. It’s crucial to take action and feel like you can influence this situation.
