Climate Change and Mental Wellbeing
The climate and mental health crisis are two huge problems facing societies globally. On this page we will provide some information on how the two interact, give you some tips on reducing climate anxiety, and provide some resources where you can see positive climate stories worldwide.
Key definition: Eco-Anxiety
Eco-Anxiety is feeling anxious or stressed about the ecological crisis and something some of us experience every day. It is something that is increasing, especially within young people due to the growing awareness of climate change and what is happening to the environment. More and more people are feeling a sense of responsibility to make changes, anxiety about the future and anger about actions and inactions that are taking place across the world.
It has been found that over 70% of young people feel like they are hopelessLink opens in a new window in the climate crisis.
Top tips for reducing eco-anxiety:
- Take action: You may feel that your actions won't make that much difference, but if everyone made small changes to their everyday lives it can help make a big impact. Things like reducing the amount of single use plastic you use, using public transport instead of driving, and having more plant based meals all help reduce your environmental impact - which will make you feel good!
- Spend time outdoors: This can boost your mental wellbeing and help you feel more connected to the planet. Our campus is home to a huge range of plants and animals, and we have lots of walks and green spacesLink opens in a new window that you can enjoy.
- Let yourself feel: the Natural History MuseumLink opens in a new window suggests acknowledging your feelings and not trying to supress them - they don't need 'fixing'. Talking to someone about your feelings can help.
You can find more top tips hereLink opens in a new window.
Some positive resources to explore...
It is not all doom and gloom! Check out the resources below which show some of the positive stories going on around the world:
- Reasons to be HopefulLink opens in a new window: This webpage showcases people, projects, stories and ideas that show positive change in the world.
- The Daily Climate- Good NewsLink opens in a new window: The Daily Climate summarises positive climate news stories from around the world.
Do you want to learn more?
- Resource hub by UnthinkableLink opens in a new window: Here there are a wealth of resources such as online courses, a space to have climate conversations and a selection of book and music suggestions.
- For What its Earth Podcast SeriesLink opens in a new window: A weekly podcast makes big issues bite sized.
-
How to Save a Planet:Link opens in a new window Force of Nature podcast focuses solely on Eco Anxiety, with each episode exploring a different facet of the climate crisis, through the lens of our mental health.
- Article published by the International Review of PsychiatryLink opens in a new window: An article by Lawrance et al. (2022) titled 'The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, and its Implications'.