Words Jesse Holth
“Action is the antidote to despair.” – Joan Baez
According to a recent study, almost one million Canadians have serious climate anxiety – meaning that it disrupts sleep and everyday functioning. With 90% of respondents concerned about climate change and almost three quarters feeling some kind of anxiety, this widespread issue is only becoming more common.
As we grapple with drastic wildfires, floods and extreme weather; the disappearance of wildlife, deforestation and pollution; and the continued expansion of fossil fuels and other extractive projects, environmental catastrophe can bring up strong emotions. Coupled with lack of action by world leaders and local governments, it often leads to feelings of hopelessness, despair and existential dread.
Essentially, climate anxiety is distress about the climate crisis and its impacts. It can manifest as intrusive thoughts or feelings about disasters, global changes or the long-term future of human existence. It can also lead to symptoms such as panic attacks, loss of appetite, irritability, weakness and sleeplessness.
Worry can be healthy – it can motivate you to create change. But climate anxiety becomes a problem when it is overwhelming and debilitating, preventing you from functioning in your daily life. It can help to talk to someone, like a trained therapist or counsellor. It can also help to take action against climate change.
Collective action is a strong buffer against climate anxiety. Researchers found that anxiety only led to depression in those who were not engaged in group activities to address climate change. Doing something as part of a group is one of the best ways to combat feelings of helplessness. Social support is essential for mental health and wellness, so engaging in collective action can provide a sense of connectedness with people who share similar goals and values.
Climate anxiety can be very isolating – it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many people are feeling the same way. Speaking openly about your feelings can help remind you that these emotions are a normal reaction to the crisis. We can navigate them together and build connections, using our agency to have an impact on the world around us.
Choosing action is an important tool: speaking up, urging politicians to take bold climate action, and focusing on changes you can make in your local community may alleviate some of the stress associated with your anxiety. Actions you can take include:
- Participate in a rally, march, protest or other climate initiative
- Call or write to your MLAs and MPs
- Avoid environmentally harmful practices (fast fashion, industrial agriculture, fish farming, bottom trawling)
- Reduce food waste and choose climate-friendly options (eat less meat, grow your own veggies, buy local produce)
- Boycott companies that destroy the rainforest and other ecosystems
- Check your food, health and beauty products for palm oil (a major contributor to global climate change)
Support renewable energy and retrofitting (e.g. solar panels, heat pumps)
Beware of greenwashing and misinformation – complain to the Competition Bureau about false advertising
Change your daily commute (walk, bike or bus instead of driving)
Advocate against fossil fuel projects
Subscribe to action networks and email lists (Sue Big Oil, Dogwood BC, David Suzuki)
Donate to organizations working to combat climate change (Sierra Club BC, RAVEN)
“When people are struggling with climate anxiety, the goal is not to shut down and ignore the source of concern, but rather to care in a way that is sustainable,” says Robin Evan Willis, a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Sidney.
“Take breaks from doom scrolling, allow space for grief and fear without internal judgment, tend to your mental health through rest and movement, spend time in nature, stay connected to people you love, and find collective ways to contribute. Action, community, and self-compassion are powerful antidotes to helplessness.”
