CLIMATE ANXIETY AND GRIEF
CLIMATE ANXIETY
is a valid, natural response to a changing, warming world. In 2020, more than half of Americans reported feeling anxious about climate change’s impact on their mental health, and most of us (67%) are anxious about its impact on the planet. Climate grief refers to feelings of sadness, loss and grief associated with the loss of species and biodiversity on our planet.
THE CLIMATE CRISIS
is both a global threat to all life on Earth and a personal threat to the mental and physical well-being—the sense of safety, meaning, and purpose—of both the individual and greater community on the planet. I acknowledge the complicated nature of the human response to climate crisis and how it affects us both individually and collectively. I help hold space for the processing of grief, anger, anxiety and depression, offering a hand as we collectively walk this new road together.
CLIMATE GRIEF
although heartbreaking—is a sign of hope for the planet. Grief is a form of compassion for something that we’ve lost, and feeling grief in response to climate disruption means we aren’t in denial or apathetic. It signals a recognition that the earth’s resources are depleting and we care deeply about it. If we don’t find some way to feel hope, or a sense that we’re working on solutions, we’ll likely experience paralysis and anxiety. Many people find such meaning when they become part of a community, seeking out others who have similar concerns. What’s important is figuring out how to translate our strong emotions into social action.
CLIMATE ANXIETY
is a valid, natural response to a changing, warming world. In 2020, more than half of Americans reported feeling anxious about climate change’s impact on their mental health, and most of us (67%) are anxious about its impact on the planet. Climate grief refers to feelings of sadness, loss and grief associated with the loss of species and biodiversity on our planet.
THE CLIMATE CRISIS
is both a global threat to all life on Earth and a personal threat to the mental and physical well-being—the sense of safety, meaning, and purpose—of both the individual and greater community on the planet. I acknowledge the complicated nature of the human response to climate crisis and how it affects us both individually and collectively. I help hold space for the processing of grief, anger, anxiety and depression, offering a hand as we collectively walk this new road together.
CLIMATE GRIEF
although heartbreaking—is a sign of hope for the planet. Grief is a form of compassion for something that we’ve lost, and feeling grief in response to climate disruption means we aren’t in denial or apathetic. It signals a recognition that the earth’s resources are depleting and we care deeply about it. If we don’t find some way to feel hope, or a sense that we’re working on solutions, we’ll likely experience paralysis and anxiety. Many people find such meaning when they become part of a community, seeking out others who have similar concerns. What’s important is figuring out how to translate our strong emotions into social action.
Resources:
workthatreconnects.org
www.goodgriefnetwork.org
https://www.climateandmind.org/what-is-climate-grief
https://www.verywellmind.com/collective-action-could-relieve-climate-anxiety-5222062
workthatreconnects.org
www.goodgriefnetwork.org
https://www.climateandmind.org/what-is-climate-grief
https://www.verywellmind.com/collective-action-could-relieve-climate-anxiety-5222062
