Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

Part one of this two-part series discussed the differences between ecological grief and eco-anxiety, two relatively new terms used in reference to the feelings of sadness and distress that are related to the climate crisis.

Now, let’s dive into how we can face them.

How to cope with ecological grief

Ecological grief and eco-anxiety are not considered diagnosable mental health conditions. However, researchers do believe they may contribute to a general mood disorder like depression or anxiety by affecting well-being and daily functioning.

Early “ecotherapies“—therapeutic treatments designed and proven to address these experiences—are available. That said, they’re not yet streamlined into our current mental health care systems.

For those affected by ecological grief, Pihkala suggests taking these steps:

Connect with others who are going through the same thing

Online or in-person “climate cafes” can help. “Given that many people feel lonely, isolated, or ashamed within their ecological grief and anxiety, the well-known benefits of peer interactions and interpersonal group therapy could be drawn upon,” wrote the writers of the 2020 Lancet Planetary Health study.

Take action when you can

Climate change organizations may empower and soothe eco-anxiety and ecological grief. “Many people find it helpful to take action — to be a part of the change that needs to happen,” says Webster University Geneva psychologist and lecturer Liza Jachens, Ph.D. She also recommends spending time in nature.

Seek “climate aware” mental health care.

Climate-focused therapists and counselors are becoming more common. Pihkala says that sometimes, therapists and counselors who’ve received specific training in addressing climate-related worries use the term “climate aware”. The Climate Psychology Alliance can assist in identifying mental health professionals with this kind of expertise.

Click here to revisit part I of this series.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This heartwarming Danish ad breaks down the ‘Us vs Them’ narrative

It’s rare that we publish a story about an advertisement, but then again it’s rare that an ad stirs so much emotion within its ...

Read More

NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing

We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city ...

Read More

A seat at the table for underrepresented communities

Climate change is already affecting all of us—however, those that bear the brunt of these consequences are predominantly from low-income, marginalized, BIPOC communities. So ...

Read More

Expanding democracy: Michigan opens new doors for formerly incarcerated voters

Malijah Gee's path from incarceration at the age of 17 to imminent freedom reflects the longing for a voice that has been suppressed for 36 years. ...

Read More