In recent years, climate change knowledge has increased. This increase in spread of information about climate concerns through media channels, like newspapers and social media platforms, can leave some feeling overwhelmed.
For many individuals, exposure to news stories about environmental degradation and its associated risks can lead to a variety of difficult emotional responses, including anger, sadness, fear and worry.
Worry in relation to climate change knowledge has been identified as ‘climate anxiety’ or ‘eco-distress’. These terms are used to explain the psychological discomfort that sometimes takes place when someone is exposed to climate change information.
Over 45% of young people reported that feelings on climate change impacted their daily lives, according to a global survey carried out in 2021 by Bath University. More about the survey can be found in this article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-58549373
For more information about psychological responses to climate change, visit: https://www.climatepsychologyalliance.org/
If you would like to learn about some of the practical strategies for dealing with stress, read this illustrated guide ‘Doing What Matters in Times of Stress’: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003927 (available in various translations).
If you, or someone you are close to, think that you might be experiencing signs of stress and worry that impact on daily life, Talking Therapies may be available to help.
To make a referral to a Talking Therapies service, visit this link: https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/refer-yourself.
