Are You Struggling With Eco-Anxiety or Climate Grief?
Almost daily, we hear of the devastating impact of climate change and animal agriculture on the planet: increased wildfires, heatwaves, floods, extreme storms, climbing sea levels, the erosion of natural environments, and the extinction of species on a massive scale. We also know that climate change influences migration patterns, communities’ infrastructure and creates less secure food systems. A recent report by the American Psychological Association details the mental health effects of climate change and the stress that surrounds it on an individual and community level.
As with other disasters, there are some people and communities who will be hit harder than others. Geography, of course, is in the mix, as are demographic and socioeconomic inequities. On an individual level, those with pre-existing health challenges, for example, will feel these effects more intensely. The APA report (p.6) notes also that “stress from climate impacts can cause children to experience changes in behavior, development, memory, executive function, decision-making, and scholastic achievement.“
Given both the dire environmental situation and the public’s heightened awareness of it, eco-anxiety has become increasingly common, with individuals expressing distress over climate change and the environment, exhibiting conditions such as depression, panic attacks, insomnia, guilt, grief and helplessness, among other mental health challenges.
If you are experiencing any of these difficult emotions, please know you are not alone, and, we can work together so that you can feel less isolated and more empowered.
In therapy, I offer an opportunity to explore these concerns in a safe space. We will be discussing the intense feelings you have as well as working on coping strategies to keep you from being paralyzed. In addition to verbal dialogue, I offer Eco-therapy and eco-art therapy: we will have the opportunity to create art from natural materials, to become reacquainted with the beauty and splendor of our natural environment and heal through connecting with the earth’s gifts. In addition, we can address such topics as becoming empowered for change on an individual and community level, how to notice our emotions and knowing when they are useful vs. when they are unproductive and paralyzing, and learning coping skills to manage those emotions. Together, we can also develop a plan to have an impact on an individual, family and community level to alleviate the helplessness we can feel.
Take The First Step To Working with your Eco-Anxiety
If you are interested, I offer a free 20-minute consultation. Please contact me at 720-491-1533. You can learn how to fully feel your difficult emotions, and be able to make some effective changes and move forward in a more empowered way.
