Eco anxiety

Eco anxiety

Eco anxiety also referred to as Climate anxiety. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of 21st century Besides the undeniable effects of climate change on hydrological and terrestrial systems, climate change also affects people's physical and mental health. So, eco anxiety refers to fear of environmental damage or ecological disaster .This sense of anxiety is largely based on current and the predicted future state of the environment and human induced Climate Change Anxiety around environmental issues may stem from experiencing, being at risk of or having loved one's at risk of the awareness of climate related extreme weather events, including flood, forest fires, pollution, losses of livelihood or housing, fears of future generations and feelings of helplessness.

Climate change does not affect all people equally Some people may feel anxiety around ecological issues more intensely. Some parts of the world are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather, including coastal communities and low-lying areas. Particularly, people whose livelihoods depend on environment such as those with jobs in agriculture with fishing tourism are more likely to be affected. Also, people who live in indigenous communities often rely on natural resources. They may face the fear of losing housing their livelihood or their cultural heritage which can be damaging their sense of identity. The following groups may also be more likely to experience eco anxiety

• Displaced people and forced migrants.
• People of lower socioeconomic status
• Children and young adults.

People who work in environment jobs or as first responders and emergency health care workers might be more prone to eco-anxiety.

Eco anxiety is not an official medical diagnosis. Mental health professionals may describe it as chronic sense of environmental doom. However, eco-anxiety can be handled by using range of strategies. In my opinion, taking positive action like talking to others about good environmental practice can help reduce feelings of anxiety and powerlessness.

• Getting accurate information about environment can empower communities and help them feel prepared if a crisis occurs.
• Positive thinking may also help break negative thinking cycles associated with severe and chronic anxiety.
• Media coverage of environmental destruction can be overwhelming. So, unplugging from media Sources temporarily may help reduce stress.
• People with severe anxiety may need help from professionals trained in climate psychology.