Tackling climate anxiety in 2022

It’s been a challenging few years; fires, floods, COVID, and even more recently with seeing the surrounding tragedy happening across the border in British Columbia. It’s enough to put people on edge and increase anxiety levels wondering what’s to come next?

Many may be familiar with the phrase, “I want you to act as if our house is on fire.” While this phrase may ring true for many, it may not be the best way to express concern over an impending environmental disaster. When our house is on fire we panic; we’re instantly anxious about how we’re going to survive now that all of our worldly items have gone up in smoke. This doesn’t put us in a positive mindset, a mindset that will help us move forward and tackle the challenges that lay ahead.

For many, the reality that climate change is already upon us and not some distant threat, may make us feel powerlessness to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. It all feels far too overwhelming. Fortunately, there are small steps we can take now to reduce the impacts of climate change in the present and into the future.

Small actions to reduce climate change

  • Seek out a more energy efficient vehicle on your next purchase.

  • Replace old light bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs such as LEDs.

  • Get in the habit of unplugging or turning off appliances that aren’t in use.

  • Take public transport or carpool where possible.

  • Lower the thermostat below 21 degrees during the cooler months.

  • Plant trees around your home to provide more shade and cool the home during the summer season.

Making small changes that will help reduce your energy usage, will in turn lower your household bills. This means more money in your pocket at the end of the day, reducing other financial burdens and stresses.

Eco-anxiety and mental health

When we’re feeling stressed about the world around us, the best way to deal with the anxiety is to use the right tools to mitigate the stress. If you’re feeling anxious about climate change there are many channels you can access for help:

1. Anxiety Counselling Services

Anxiety disorders are a very common form of a mental illness. Fortunately these are treatable with help from your family doctor or from counselling support services. Our counsellors can help you identify triggers, teach relaxation strategies and mindfulness skills.

2. Depression Counselling

Approximately 8 per cent of adults will experience a major depression at some point in their lives, which often results in social isolation, feelings of worthlessness and difficulty with concentrating. Counsellors can help to identify the cause of depression, provide help with coping strategies to overcome isolation.

3. Stress Counselling

Everyone has different thresholds for how much stress they can handle. A certain amount of stress can motivate us and keep us challenged, on the other hand, we may not be able to cope during periods of extreme stress. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, and counselling can assist with stress management by helping us to learn to slow down and be more mindful of our personal and social needs.

Don’t let stress, depression or anxiety take control of your life, we can help you manage these situations, allowing you to get back to a life you can enjoy. 

Get help

If you’re feeling anxious about climate change, book a counselling session today or call the Crisis Line at 780.743.HELP(4357).

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