The weather in our country is very unpredictable right now, isn't it? Heavy rains come suddenly, causing floods and landslides. Another time, unbearable heat and drought come. When you see things like this on television, read about them in the newspaper, or face them yourself, do you feel a great burden, anxiety, and helplessness? Do you feel afraid for the future, for the future of our children? If you feel that way, you are not alone. Today we are talking about this feeling.
What is Eco-Anxiety?
Simply put, Eco-Anxiety is the intense fear, sadness, anger, and helplessness we feel about the destruction of our environment, that is, climate change and its impacts. It is not currently a medically classified mental illness. But it is a real condition that people experience and that affects their mental health.
The American Psychological Association first used the term in 2017 to raise awareness about the issue, as it can worsen existing mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression) or even create new stress.
Imagine, what kind of feelings come to our minds when we see forests being destroyed, animals losing their habitat (loss of biodiversity), and rivers and streams becoming polluted? It is the combination of these feelings that gives rise to this condition called Eco- anxiety .
It's normal for you to feel these emotions. It's not surprising for someone who is sensitive to what's happening in the world to feel this way. The important thing is to understand that you're not alone.
Three ways climate change affects our minds
Climate change can affect our mental health in one way or another. This can happen in three main ways.
1. Immediate Impacts
These things happen when you are directly confronted with a natural disaster. Think of someone who has lost their home and crops in a flood. Or someone who has lost a friend or neighbor in a landslide. The psychological stress that arises after such a traumatic event is very high.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recurrent and frightening memories of the event.
- Severe anxiety and depression: Fear of the future, no joy in anything.
- Turning to drugs or alcohol: Unable to bear the pain, one may turn to wrong things.
- Suicidal thoughts: Some people may become so overwhelmed by this pressure that they become depressed about life.
2. Gradual Impacts
This is something that slowly, little by little, takes its toll on our minds. Although it is not a major disaster, this is chronic stress that arises from constantly thinking about changes in the environment.
- Temperature rise: Discomfort felt due to the heat increasing day by day.
- Sea level rise: Someone who lives by the sea may always have the fear of "Will our homes ever go into the sea?"
- Changing rainfall patterns: Farmers face economic problems and psychological stress as rainfall patterns change and crops become barren.
These things can cause things like constant fatigue, lethargy , irritability, and headaches.
3. Indirect Impacts
This happens because of the emotions you feel when you learn about things happening in the world, even if you don't directly experience a weather disaster. For example, the sadness and helplessness you feel when you hear about a forest fire in another country, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, or the damage to forests like Sinharaja in our own country. This can change the way you see the world and the future.
How does this affect children?
Children are more sensitive to this than adults. Their brains are still developing, so it's hard for them to handle this kind of stress. Constantly worrying about the weather can have long-term effects on their mental health. It's important for us as parents to be aware of this.
If you suspect your child has this type of stress, look for these symptoms.
| Change in child's behavior | A little more about this |
|---|---|
| Bed-wetting | If a child who previously did not have such a habit suddenly starts wetting the bed at night, it may be a sign of stress. |
| Not speaking | If a child who used to talk well suddenly becomes silent or unable to speak, that is also a sign of fear. |
| Excessive fear of the weather | If you are overly afraid of even a little rain or wind, or if you get anxious when watching the weather report on television, pay attention to that. |
| Disappointed nature | If you talk pessimistically about the future and the world, if you say things like "everything is over," you should take it seriously. |
How do you deal with this anxiety?
It's hard to live with these feelings, but we can manage them.
1. Being prepared
Uncertainty is the biggest cause of anxiety, so being prepared for an emergency can provide a great sense of relief and control.
- Make an emergency kit:
- Preservative-free foods (like biscuits, canned fish) and a few bottles of clean water.
- A torch and extra batteries.
- Essential medications you or your family need. If you have daily medications, such as for diabetes or blood pressure, get a new one before a storm or flood hits.
- Something like a book or a toy to relieve stress.
- Make an evacuation plan: If you have to leave your home in an emergency, discuss with your family in advance where and how you will go. Doing so as soon as officials tell you to evacuate can help prevent unnecessary stress.
2. Speak your mind.
This is the most important thing. Don't keep your feelings bottled up inside.
- Talk to someone you trust: Talk to your husband/wife, a best friend, a parent, a sibling. Share your fears and worries.
- Seek professional help: If this anxiety is affecting your daily life and is overwhelming you to the point where you can't do anything, definitely see your doctor and talk about it. Counseling or therapy can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with these feelings.
Remember, asking for help with mental health is not a sign of weakness. It's something that a strong, self-reliant person does.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel fear, sadness, and anxiety (Eco-Anxiety) about climate change. Many people around the world experience this feeling.
- Don't keep these feelings to yourself and suffer. Talk about it with someone you trust.
- Being even a little prepared for an emergency (an emergency kit, an evacuation plan) can greatly reduce the burden on your mind.
- If you notice a change in your child's behavior, pay attention to it. They need your support.
- If this anxiety is unbearable and is affecting your daily activities, do not hesitate to see your doctor. Seeking professional help is essential for a healthy life.
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