How to handle climate anxiety, stress around climate change

WASHINGTON — The fingerprints of climate change are hard to miss. From stronger hurricanes to extreme weather and wildfires, scientists are linking it to climate change.  But it’s the flood of information about climate change that’s stressing people out.  Mental health experts call it “climate anxiety,” also known as “eco-anxiety“ or “climate doom.”

A Yale Sustainability study found that  64% of those surveyed are at least somewhat worried about global warming.   About 10 percent said they felt nervous or on edge about it.  Seven percent of respondents said they lost interest in doing things they liked because of global warming.  Another 27 percent gave it a shoulder shrug, telling researchers that they avoid thinking about it all together. 

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More people are searching for climate change information as well. Google searches for “climate anxiety” skyrocketed by 565% in 2021, according to the news outlet Grist. 

“We have identified a small but notable number of Americans who seem to be experiencing things that we would call eco-anxiety,” said Anthony Leiserowitz,  founder and Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and a Senior Research Scientist at Yale School of the Environment.  

“If you worry about something, you are motivated to figure out what you can do about it. We actually need more people to be worried about climate change. Where worry becomes a problem is when it becomes overwhelming and debilitating, when it keeps you from living your life. That’s when it’s a serious diagnosis,” Leiserowitz explained.  

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Experts say one of the best ways to manage climate anxiety is getting involved. Joining a group or taking action can offer support and hope. 

“Taking action on climate change is really one of the most powerful ways to combat hopelessness and helplessness. Go do something—not as an individual, but as part of a group,” Leiserowitz said. 

·  limiting the amount of climate news you consume

·  going for a walk or exercising

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