The rise of eco-anxiety: What is it and how can it affect us

Eco-anxiety, sometimes called ‘climate anxiety’ is a term used to describe the intense feelings of distress, worry and fear that many people experience in response to environmental crises, particularly the looming threat of climate change. It reflects a profound concern about the future of our planet and the potential impacts of environmental degradation on future generations. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even grief as individuals confront the daunting reality of ecological issues.

For some, eco-anxiety has led to questioning major life decisions such as whether to have children. Concerned about bringing future generations into a world facing severe environmental challenges, people may feel torn between their desire for a family and their ethical concerns about climate change. This internal conflict can bring emotional pain, potentially creating strain within families and on personal relationships. Some find that the thought of not having children weighs heavily, impacting their relationships with parents or loved ones who may hope for future generations.

Eco-anxiety can become all-consuming, with persistent thoughts about natural disasters, species extinction, and pollution impacts. Constant media coverage of environmental catastrophes often deepens these feelings, contributing to a sense of despair and powerlessness. Moreover, people may feel guilty about their own environmental footprint, intensifying a cycle of anxiety and negativity that can feel difficult to break.

However, addressing eco-anxiety is essential as it can help individuals find constructive ways to manage these feelings and focus on positive actions. In some cases, eco-anxiety can even inspire change motivating people to advocate for sustainable practices and make environmentally conscious choices. Acknowledging these feelings can help individuals move from despair toward constructive engagement, empowering them to find purpose and resilience in the face of ecological challenges.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective approach for managing eco-anxiety. It works by helping individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to their distress. For instance, someone might think that their individual actions to combat climate change are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. CBT encourages individuals to question these thoughts and replace them with more constructive beliefs such as recognising the power of collective action and the positive impact that small changes can make.

CBT also equips individuals with practical strategies to cope with their anxiety. Techniques such as mindfulness can help people stay grounded, encouraging them to focus on what they can control rather than becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of environmental issues. Additionally, CBT can assist in setting realistic and achievable goals for eco-friendly behaviours, fostering a sense of agency and accomplishment.

Clinical hypnosis

Clinical hypnosis can be a valuable complementary approach to CBT in addressing eco-anxiety. By inducing a state of deep relaxation, hypnosis allows individuals to explore the emotional roots of their environmental fears. This exploration can lead to important insights into personal values and motivations regarding ecological responsibility.

During a hypnosis session, therapists can guide individuals through visualisations of positive outcomes, such as a thriving planet or successful community initiatives. This can help shift focus from despair to hope, empowering individuals to take meaningful action. Positive affirmations introduced during hypnosis can also reinforce a sense of agency, helping individuals feel more capable of contributing to environmental solutions.

Integrating CBT and clinical hypnosis

Combining CBT with clinical hypnosis can create a comprehensive approach to managing eco-anxiety. For example, after working through negative thoughts in CBT, a therapist might use hypnosis to reinforce positive beliefs and visualise proactive steps. This integration enhances emotional resilience, enabling individuals to cope with feelings of anxiety while cultivating a sense of purpose in their environmental efforts.

In conclusion, eco-anxiety is a valid response to the urgent environmental challenges we face today. Both cognitive behavioural therapy and clinical hypnosis offer effective strategies for those struggling with this anxiety. By reframing negative thoughts, reducing emotional distress and fostering a proactive mindset individuals can find a sense of agency in their relationship with the environment. As awareness of eco-anxiety continues to grow these therapeutic methods can play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their concerns about the planet’s future, ultimately leading to a healthier psychological state and a more sustainable way of living.