How to Overcome Feelings of Climate Anxiety and Impending Doom

This vast issue often feels so big and out of our control that it overwhelms us and leads to feelings of hopelessness, futility, and even anxiety.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Dealing With Climate-Related Anxiety   Though the coronavirus pandemic has taken center stage in the news circuit, the topic of climate change has been at the forefront of many minds. This vast issue often feels so big and out of our control that it overwhelms us and leads to feelings of hopelessness, futility, and even anxiety.   If you've felt any of the above, you're not alone. Many people report a tremendous sense of guilt over "not doing enough" or not always doing the "environmentally-friendly" thing, a sense of paralyzing apathy since their actions "won't matter anyway," and a sense of fear over what the world may experience in the years to come.   So how do you overcome feelings of climate-anxiety and impending doom? Follow these three steps: Accept that the issue is out of your complete control. Channel some of your feelings into making a difference. That might include educating yourself more on the topic, voting for those who also care about the environment, donating to organizations, participating in climate activism, and making individual changes in your everyday routine. Tackle feelings of anxiety head on with healthy coping techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and participating in activities that bring you joy.     The reality is that high-level, systemic change will have the largest impact, so your voice as a citizen calling for that change will ultimately have a greater impact than your vegan diet or electric car." — ERICA DODDS, PHD  What This Means For You Climate-anxiety is real, but try not to let it overwhelm you. While it may feel like the burden falls squarely on your shoulders, remember that a concerted, systematic effort is required to affect real change.   Use healthy coping techniques to deal with your anxiety head on, and then consider ways you can help make a difference. Educate yourself on the topic, call your representatives, and give a microphone to voices and organizations through donations, vocal activism, and volunteering.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Stay in the eco-know with Outrage + Optimism, a climate-focused podcast that balances climate-related anxiety, fear, and frustration with a sense of hope. It's hosted by former United Nations chief Christiana Figueres and the team who wrote the Paris Agreement. The goal is to educate and inspire change. Products to Help You Feel Your Best A whopping 20% of the globe's deforestation is the result of tree-based paper products, including toilet paper and paper towels. Cloud Paper tackles the issue by creating bamboo-based products. The brand also invests in large scale forest preservation efforts around the globe. You can help make a difference by getting involved with the Environmental Defense Fund, which is already 2.5 million allies strong. Make a donation, learn how to take action, and sign up for news alerts. Read These Next Air Pollution May Be Linked to Mental Health Concerns READ NOW Gen Z Is Developing Anxiety About Climate Change READ NOW How to Soothe Climate Anxiety With Hope and Action READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy