Right now, we are experiencing an environmental crisis. Whether it be the effects of climate change itself, or the chaos of the world right now, this crisis is taking a toll. Not just on the environment, but on mental health. Many people are currently experiencing a collection of emotions known as eco-distress. To get the facts on eco-distress and mental health, we interviewed Sarah Jornsay-Silverberg, Executive Director of The Good Grief Network, an organization committed to helping the mental health of individuals and communities relating to eco-distress.
- What is Eco-Distress?
- How does eco-distress impact mental health?
- How can you manage eco-distress?
- How can you get involved with climate justice advocacy?
What is Eco-Distress?
First off, let’s start by talking about what eco-distress is. You may have heard of climate anxiety or the anxiety related to the climate crisis. While similar, the term eco-distress includes a variety of emotions related to the climate crisis, such as anger, frustration, betrayal, sadness, grief, anxiety, etc. This term is used because of the broadness it describes, and the numerous emotions that often accompany one another.
How does eco-distress impact mental health?
The state of the world right now can bring a lot of emotions, which can impact your overall mental well-being. It’s important to acknowledge that eco-distress is normal, and is a normal part of living in the current climate. While not a condition, eco-distress can impact symptoms of clinical diagnosis and can have overall mental health impacts, such as increased anxiety, a heightened sense of fear, or other prolonged emotions. “It’s really healthy to be responding with grief and sorrow and rage at the state of the world,” says Jornsay-Silverberg. In addition, eco-distress is normal and looks different for everyone.
How can you manage eco-distress?
Both eco-distress and managing eco-distress will be different for every person. While managing eco-distress, it is important to acknowledge and befriend the emotions involved. Don’t shut your emotions out or ignore them. Here are some ways to manage eco-distress.
- Reach out to an eco-distress group
- Establish a journaling practice
- Practice meditation
- Moving your body regularly
- Getting outside and being with nature
- Therapy
- Decreasing news consumption or finding a better time or way to consume the news
- Get involved, but understand that you are one person and cannot save the world alone
How can you get involved with climate justice advocacy?
- Think about skills, passions, and experiences that brought you joy. How can you incorporate those things into advocacy?
- Research local organizations and how they make an impact. Go back to step 1 and see if they align with your passions and skills.
- Create a bond with the organization. Make connections with your peers and bring an expectation of not working to burnout as a value indicator. “None of us can save the world alone, and none of us are meant to suffer alone,” says Jornsay Silverberg.
- Care for yourself and your community to prevent burnout. Take meaningful breaks, and listen to what you need.
- If you’re feeling burnout, remember specific memories of a time you felt proud, happy, or joyful to find motivation. In addition, make sure to rest.
Final Thoughts:
While eco-distress and the climate right now may feel over may feel overwhelming right now, we must address emotions and bind together as a community. Maintaining community and maintaining your own mental health will help address the climate and eco-distress in a way that makes a real difference. “We don’t know what might happen tomorrow, but that means we are the shapers of what happens tomorrow,” says Jornsay-Silverberg. Knowing this, try to keep hope for the future and understand that you can make a difference.