Eco-anxiety is the feeling that the planet is undergoing some sort of catastrophic change. Which is negatively affecting you personally, your family, your friends, or even your society as a whole. Many people feel this anxiety, which takes many different forms. It can manifest as fear that the environment is being destroyed. That we are destroying it ourselves, or that we cannot change our negative impact on the planet.
What is Eco-Anxiety?
Many people feel eco-anxiety, which takes many different forms. It can manifest as fear that we are destroying the environment, that we are destroying it ourselves, or that we cannot change our negative impact on the planet.
Another possible manifestation is a feeling of guilt that one’s actions are negatively impacting the planet. In general, people who feel that the environment is under threat. And that they are personally responsible for its destruction.
They’re usually referring to the anxiety that arises from the anxiety that arises from being part of a society that is increasingly dependent on the resources of the planet. And our use of those resources is unsustainable. It’s not their fault, they just feel guilty.
Why Do People Feel Eco-Anxiety?
There are many different reasons that people experience eco-anxiety. Some people feel this anxiety because they are very aware of the negative effects that humanity is having on the planet. And they worry that the situation is getting out of hand and will spiral out of control at any moment.
Other people feel eco-anxiety because they’re experiencing some sort of personal crisis. Like unemployment, divorce, illness, or a parenting decision that they feel is negatively affecting their family. Other people feel eco-anxiety because they’re experiencing a shift in society at large. Like a rise in environmental awareness or a decrease in faith in the government or economy.
The Root of Eco-Anxiety
Primarily, eco-anxiety is rooted in the human desire to feel connected to the world around them, and to other people. We all have a need to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. And this connection is often formed through social engagement and community.
Unfortunately, in a world where many can’t afford to spend time with friends and family. Where a majority of jobs rely on driving rather than face-to-face interaction, and where people are increasingly isolated from each other by economics. Many people feel disconnected from the world around them. This can lead to feelings of guilt, which can then lead to the fear that the world is ending, and one’s role in it.
Ways to Overcome Eco-Anxiety
You can begin by taking an honest look at how anxious you are about the environmen. And how likely it is that you are being rational. Most people who worry that they might be experiencing eco-anxiety are not being irrational at all. They just worry about their own personal impact on the environment.
If you do in fact feel that the world is heading for disaster. Try to remember that it is okay to worry about it, but not okay to let it consume your thoughts and drive your actions. Remind yourself that you can’t change the world. And that you can’t control everything that happens in it. You can only control how you choose to respond to it.
Eco-anxiety is a serious issue. But it’s important to remember that there are many different kinds of anxiety, and that the only way to overcome it is to learn to manage it. The best way to combat eco-anxiety is to engage in activities that make you feel connected to the world around you, and that make you feel like you’re part of a community.
Get out of the house and spend time with friends. Volunteer at a local organization, join a social club, or take a class that connects you to a larger community. Engaging in these activities will give you a sense of community and connection, which will help you overcome your eco-anxiety.