Climate change and the ongoing damage to our planet can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. This feeling even has a name: eco-anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore what eco-anxiety is, why it happens, and share some tips to help you manage it — and even turn that worry into something positive.****
If you’ve ever felt anxious about the state of the planet, you’re not alone. Heatwaves, extreme cold, floods, increased pollution, and a loss of biodiversity are very real environmental fears. Whether you’re watching the news or scrolling on social media, the message is clear: our planet is under strain. And for many of us, this can be overwhelming, triggering stress and affecting our mental well-being.
In fact, this feeling has a name: eco-anxiety — a combination of “ecology” and “anxiety.” Eco-anxiety is loosely defined as a “chronic fear of environmental doom,” mental distress or anxiety associated with worsening environmental conditions or negative emotions related to climate change. The term first appeared more than 30 years ago in The Washington Post, and today, it’s an important part of political and social discussions.
The impact of eco-anxiety on well-being
Searches worldwide related to “climate anxiety” or “eco-anxiety” increased by 4,590% from 2018 to 2023, according to Google company data. The two most commonly Googled questions were “What is eco anxiety?” and “How to deal with climate anxiety?”
A 2024 study published in The Lancet Planetary Health surveyed nearly 16,000 individuals aged 16 to 25. The findings revealed that 85% are at least moderately worried about climate change, with 57% expressing they are “very or extremely” worried. Many reported that these concerns influence major life decisions, including where to live, career choices, and even considerations about having children.
“Eco-anxiety can affect our mental well-being in many ways,” says Soesja Vogels, a psychologist at OpenUp. “It can disrupt our sleep, lower our mood, and even put strain on our relationships — especially when people around us don’t share the same concerns.”
When we feel anxious, it’s natural to want to take action — to try to find solutions and regain some sense of control. But with something as vast and complex as climate change, finding immediate fixes isn’t easy. “When the problem feels too big to solve, it can lead to even more stress, anxiety, and sometimes a sense of failure,” Soesja explains.
And it’s not just young people. As public health physician Alice Desbiolles points out, eco-anxiety can affect anyone, no matter their age or background. It’s often accompanied by a whole range of emotions — sadness, anger, helplessness, guilt — far beyond just fear or worry.
4 tips for managing eco-anxiety
If you often find yourself worrying about the environment, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling to ease your anxiety, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such a big challenge. But there are ways to manage these feelings.
Here are four principles that can help you reconnect with hope and see the world in a more balanced way:
1. Accept your emotions
It might be tempting to brush aside or minimise what you’re feeling, but the best approach involves dealing with it head-on. Instead of trying to fight or suppress your emotions, focus on understanding and managing the stress they can bring, little by little.
Mindfulness can be especially helpful here. Often used to support people dealing with anxiety or depression, mindfulness helps you become more aware of your feelings without judging them. Over time, it can make you mentally stronger and give you more control over how you respond to stress.
🎧Listen to this guided meditation, which focuses on emotional regulation and accepting your feelings as they are.
2. Connect with like-minded people
When it comes to eco-anxiety, not everyone will always understand how you feel, even close friends and family. That’s why finding others who share your concerns about the planet can be so powerful. Talking openly about your fears, feeling heard, and knowing you’re not alone can be a huge step towards feeling more supported and resilient. Look for local community groups, online forums, or climate-focused events where you can meet people who care about the same issues.
3. Stay in touch with nature
When you’re feeling anxious about the state of the planet, it might seem ironic, but stepping outside and reconnecting with nature can be incredibly healing**. Research shows** that spending time in natural environments can lower stress levels, lift your mood, and even help you feel more hopeful and energised. It reminds us that nature is not just something “out there” to protect — it’s something we’re deeply part of. Simple activities like going for a walk in a park, sitting quietly under a tree, meditating in the open air, or tending to a garden can all create powerful moments of calm and connection.
The important thing is to be present. Try leaving your phone behind, slowing your pace, and really noticing the world around you: the sounds, the smells, the colours, the feel of the breeze. If getting out into nature isn’t easy where you live, bring nature to you: grow a few plants at home, listen to nature sounds, or decorate your space with natural elements like wood, stones, or flowers.
🐝 Learn more about the healing power of nature here
4. Take action
Eco-anxiety often stems from feeling powerless in the face of a huge, complex problem. Taking action, even small, everyday actions, can help you regain a sense of control and purpose. Of course, tackling the climate crisis isn’t just about individual responsibility. Systemic changes, from governments, industries, and global organisations, are huge players here. But personal action still matters. Small steps, when multiplied across communities, can create real momentum for bigger change, and taking action can also help ease feelings of helplessness.
Focus on what’s within your reach. Supporting an environmental organisation, volunteering for a local clean-up, or simply making more eco-conscious choices in your daily life can all make a difference. Think about easy changes you can start with: bringing reusable bags to the supermarket, choosing local and seasonal foods, cutting back on plastic use, or using greener ways to travel, like cycling or public transport. Even if your actions feel small, they help build a sense of agency, reminding you that you are part of a wider movement, not working alone.
Ending on a note of positivity
A surprising, and perhaps even hopeful, truth to end on: eco-anxiety doesn’t just create fear — it can also drive positive action. The urgent need to do something, the determination to make a difference, and the pride that comes from adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle can all turn anxious feelings into powerful motivation for change.
“Focus on what you can control and take action, however small. Feeling that you’re contributing to something better can be incredibly motivating and energising,” says Soesja.
☺️ Looking for a dose of hope and inspiration?
Check out Sam Bentley’s videos, where he shares positive climate news and real stories of people making a difference around the world. Sometimes seeing the good that’s already happening is exactly what we need to stay motivated.
