Mental Wellbeing in an Age of Environmental Uncertainty

As the realities of climate change become increasingly visible—through extreme weather, bushfires, floods, and shifting landscapes—many people are experiencing a new kind of psychological distress: climate anxiety. This heightened emotional response, sometimes called eco-anxiety, is more than just worry; it is a profound sense of unease about the future of our planet and our place within it. For some, this anxiety can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing. Yet, for others, it can serve as a catalyst for meaningful action and personal growth. How can we acknowledge the mental health impacts of climate concern while harnessing its energy for positive change?

Understanding Climate Anxiety

Climate anxiety is defined as a “heightened emotional, mental or somatic distress in response to dangerous changes in the climate system.” It is not a mental illness, but a rational response to the very real threats posed by climate change. Symptoms can include panic attacks, sleeplessness, irritability, and loss of appetite. While these feelings are common across all age groups, research shows that children, young people, and those directly affected by climate disasters are especially vulnerable.

Why Does Climate Change Affect Our Mental Health?

- Direct impacts: Experiencing natural disasters, displacement, or loss due to climate change can lead to trauma, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

- Indirect impacts: Even those not directly affected by disasters can feel anxious or helpless when confronted with news about global warming, biodiversity loss, or government inaction.

- Chronic stressors: Ongoing issues like drought, heatwaves, and changing landscapes can erode a sense of safety, belonging, and hope for the future.

The Double-Edged Sword: When Anxiety Becomes Action

While climate anxiety can be distressing, it is also a practical and constructive response—an emotion that alerts us to danger and motivates us to seek solutions. In fact, research suggests that taking action, whether at an individual or collective level, can help transform anxiety into empowerment and resilience.

The Mental Health Benefits of Environmental Action

- Sense of Purpose: Engaging in climate action provides a sense of meaning, direction, and agency—key ingredients for psychological wellbeing.

- Social Connection: Joining environmental groups or community projects fosters belonging and support, counteracting feelings of isolation.

- Empowerment and Hope: Taking steps, even small ones, to reduce your carbon footprint or advocate for change can restore a sense of control and hope.

- Connection to Nature: Spending time outdoors and caring for natural spaces is linked to reduced stress, increased happiness, and improved mental health.

“In this study, all of the environmental activists participating showed above average mental health scores and tended to be happier more often than the average person.” 

— DigitalCollections.SIT.edu

The Risks: Burnout and Despair

It’s important to acknowledge that activism is not a panacea. Activists can experience burnout, especially when confronted with slow progress or setbacks. The emotional toll of constantly engaging with distressing information can lead to exhaustion and, in some cases, increased anxiety or depression. Balancing activism with self-care, community support, and time in nature is crucial for sustainable engagement.

Strategies for Coping and Thriving

If you—or someone you care about—are struggling with climate anxiety, consider these evidence-based strategies:

1. Acknowledge and Validate Feelings

   Recognize that climate anxiety is a normal, rational response to a global crisis. Validate your own emotions and those of others, especially young people.

2. Connect with Others

   Share your concerns with friends, family, or support groups. Collective action and mutual support can transform anxiety into motivation and hope.

3. Take Meaningful Action

   Engage in activities that align with your values, such as reducing waste, supporting renewable energy, or participating in local conservation efforts. Even small actions can foster a sense of agency and purpose.

4. Balance Activism with Self-Care

   Prioritize rest, hobbies, and time in nature. Remember that caring for your own wellbeing enables you to contribute more effectively to the wider cause.

5. Advocate for Systemic Change

   Channel anxiety into advocacy for policies that address the root causes of climate change. Joining with others amplifies your voice and builds community resilience.

The Australian Perspective

In Australia, the mental health impacts of climate change are especially pronounced in rural and regional communities, where droughts, bushfires, and floods have disrupted lives and livelihoods. Young Australians, in particular, report high levels of climate-related distress, often linked to feelings of powerlessness and frustration with political inaction. Yet, Australia is also home to vibrant grassroots movements, Indigenous stewardship, and community-led adaptation projects that offer models of resilience and hope.

From Anxiety to Agency

Climate anxiety is a sign that we care deeply about the world and our future. Rather than viewing it as a pathology, we can recognize it as a call to action—a catalyst for personal and collective transformation. By connecting our wellbeing with environmental action, we not only help protect the planet but also nurture our own mental health. In the words of climate psychologist Caroline Hickman, “Feeling anxious about climate change is a healthy response to an existential threat. The key is to move from anxiety to agency, from despair to action.”

Let us acknowledge our fears, support one another, and take steps—big or small—towards a more sustainable, hopeful future.

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