Eco-anxiety refers to chronic fear of environmental doom due to climate change and ecological harm. It stems from lived experiences, media coverage, scientific reports, and government inaction. Climate anxiety is rising, especially among youth. Exposure to climate disasters and species/habitat loss can lead to climate grief. Eco-anxiety can manifest as fatalism, avoidance, activism, or compulsions. It reflects conflict between protecting nature and feelings of helplessness. Chronic climate distress heightens risks of depression, PTSD, panic, and substance abuse. Addressing eco-anxiety requires climate education and communication, mental health resources, government climate action, and research on coping strategies. Recognition of eco-anxiety establishes climate mitigation as imperative for collective psychological wellbeing.
TopUnderstanding Eco-Anxiety
The term “Eco-anxiety” is employed to delineate the psychological anguish and anxiety that individuals may undergo as a consequence of their apprehensions around the environmental catastrophe and climate change. The interconnectedness of ecological and mental well-being, emphases the importance of recognizing and places eco-anxiety as a valid psychological concern (Clayton et al., 2017).
Eco-anxiety, as delineated by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a persistent apprehension regarding environmental cataclysm resulting from the perceived irreversible consequences of climate change and the concomitant apprehension for one's own and future generations' well-being, is a logical reaction to the climate crisis. Climate-related disasters have a significant impact on individuals across many age groups, with a special emphasis on those who are directly affected by such events. Many individuals in the younger generation experience feelings of frustration, anger, and pessimism as a result of observing environmental destruction and perceived insufficient efforts by those in positions of authority. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that eco-anxiety can also function as a productive and adaptive pro-environmental reaction for individuals who redirect their discomfort towards constructive endeavors such as campaigning for policy modifications, endorsing sustainable practices, and engaging in community initiatives (Verplanken, B. et al 2020) .
The phenomenon under consideration is distinguished by emotions of powerlessness, apprehension, or concern regarding the prospects of the globe, the ramifications of climate change on ecosystems, and the welfare of forthcoming generations. The experience of eco-anxiety can vary in intensity, ranging from a moderate sense of concern to a more severe state of discomfort. This psychological phenomenon can exert notable impacts on an individual's mental well-being. This statement underscores the interdependence between environmental concerns and mental health, underscoring the significance of simultaneously tackling the ecological and psychological dimensions of this complex issue.
Eco-anxiety is a prevalent emotional response that arises in individuals due to the environmental issues encountered by our global civilization. Recognizing and affirming one's emotions is of paramount significance, while concurrently seeking constructive mechanisms to manage and proactively address them is equally imperative. By engaging in such actions, individuals have the potential to enhance their psychological well-being while also contributing to personal growth and environmental sustainability.
The experience of residing in an era characterized by climate change exerts a profound influence on individuals' emotional well-being. Observing the dynamic transformations occurring in our natural environment, while experiencing personal culpability or observing apathy towards climate issues and the lack of action from elected authorities, can elicit a range of emotional responses. These may encompass sentiments of anger, irritation, apprehension, helplessness, and despair. The experience can elicit discomfort, a sense of being overwhelmed, and a state of paralysis (Rai, 2023).