7 tips for managing eco-anxiety

The term eco-anxiety defines a state of mind when you feel fear and anxious, stressed, and depressed about the prospect of severe climate changes. It includes the feelings of helplessness that people feel that nothing can change the situation no matter whatever steps they take. In 2017, the American Psychological Association referred to this mental health state as ‘eco-anxiety’ and described eco-anxiety as ‘a chronic fear of environmental doom.’

However, eco-anxiety is not currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It implies that it is not officially considered a diagnosable condition. Mental health professionals use the term eco-anxiety within the field of ecopsychology. Ecopsychology deals with the psychological relationship of people and nature, and its impacts on their identity and health.

Exo-anxiety is a relatively new concept. Studies show that extreme climate changes can impact mental health, while it’s still unclear whether anxiety results from awareness or understanding of environmental issues.

A 2018 Yale University report suggests that about 21% of people in the US are “very worried” about global warming. According to a national survey conducted in 2018, in the United States, almost 70% of people are “worried about climate change,” and about 51% feel “helpless.”