To remember

👉 Eco-anxiety is a worry about environmental changes, a normal reaction to the planet's current challenges.

👉 Concrete engagement (eco-friendly actions, activism) helps regain a sense of control and alleviate eco-anxiety.

What Is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety, also known as solastalgia, refers to feelings of extreme worry and apprehension about environmental changes that seem irreversible. Think of it as a deep-seated anxiety about the fate of the planet and current environmental issues.

Even though we call this feeling eco-anxiety, people may feel a wide range of emotions about environmental concerns, such as sadness, anger, fear, guilt, and powerlessness. These are known as eco-emotions. You may sometimes feel them very strongly, and less so at other times.

It’s a normal response to a very real problem

Being worried about the environment is not a problem all on its own. In fact, it is a legitimate response to the major issues and challenges facing our planet.

A certain level of concern for the environment can help you make changes in your consumption habits, or by engaging with the cause in your own way.

Who is affected?

Scientific data on this quite novel form of anxiety is still somewhat lacking. However, we know that young people are more strongly affected by eco-anxiety, because climate change will have a greater impact on their lives and those of future generations.

Fear for the future

Due to the lack of certainty around the current state of our environment, many young people are worried for their future. Maybe you’ve even doubted the feasibility of your own ambitions, dreams, and future. Remember, your doubts reflect your values, and so you are right to express them.

That being said, they may leave you feeling powerless; so don’t be afraid to try out some of our tips below. They may help you cope with your eco-anxiety.

Symptoms of Eco-Anxiety

Eco-anxiety does not have an official diagnosis, and it manifests differently from one person to the next. Here are a few examples of signs that you may notice in your own life:

• Your thoughts about the environment take up a lot of space in your mind and come up often.

• You feel terrible when you learn about potential impacts on the environment.

• You feel despair or distress when you think about the state of the planet.

• You feel guilty or unable to act when you make less eco-responsible choices.

Like other forms of anxiety, eco-anxiety can be felt to varying degrees at different times. You can expect stronger feelings when experiencing major stressors, such as when an ecological disaster has just happened, or a natural disaster, or the publication of an alarming report on the environment.