The mental health consequences imparted by climate change are very tangible. Climate anxiety, also known colloquially as 'eco-anxiety', describes a sense of fear about the decline of the health of the planet and an individual's feelings of helplessness about it, concern that can manifest in increased symptoms of depression and anxiety.

 

In 2019, the Australian Psychological Society found that one in five Australians have experienced climate-related distress at some time. So if you've been feeling uneasy about what the future might look like, you're not alone. But looking for ways to help at home and in your community can help relieve some of the pressure. 

A 2017 report by the American Psychological Association found that the psychological weight of climate change can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. The scale of the issue can also make us feel like our individual contributions are too small to be meaningful, so feelings of helplessness and fear are common.

 

To improve our mental outlook around the climate, we need to take action – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. This will help dissipate the sense of helpless anxiety we have.

 

For example, you can volunteer at a sustainability initiative that seeks to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Getting involved in tree planting or maintaining community gardens are good projects to begin with. Being around people working to create a better future makes one feel within reach.

While the mental health impacts of climate change affects people from all walks of life – including farmers, who experience profound climate-related stress that also affected their families and communities, a 2018 study found – there's one major demographic experiencing eco-anxiety at a greater scale.

 

Younger generations are more susceptible to the mental health consequences of climate change for a few reasons. Firstly, they haven't yet gained the life experience that can help to place their fears and concerns into perspective. But perhaps the most significant reason is the consensus that they are inheriting a world damaged by the actions of former generations.

 

A 2021 survey involving 10,000 children and young people aged 16 to 25 discovered climate anxiety causes a negative impact on respondents' daily lives. Additionally, many respondents felt that governments aren't doing enough to avoid a climate catastrophe. More than 45 per cent of respondents said their feelings about climate change affected their daily lives.

In the face of a major threat like climate change, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and paralysed by powerlessness.

 

Talking to others about how we feel is an essential tool to relieve anxiety and help us to not feel so alone in combatting climate-related stress. Seeking out like-minded people can also provide you with a support network to discuss your concerns with.

 

Think about what actions you can take as an individual to have a positive impact on the climate crisis, and as with all plans and goals, it's important to make them achievable.