Ecoanxiety

Climate change impacts mental health for many people.

You may have experienced an extreme weather event or feel worried and helpless about the future. Help is avaliable

Sunset across a valley with wind turbines and sheep in the distance

Climate change is increasingly impacting many people’s mental health. It’s normal to feel angry, anxious, helpless, fearful or sad when thinking about climate change and extreme weather events.

Some people have been impacted by extreme weather and are working to rebuild their lives while worrying about future events. For some, climate change is impacting jobs, financial security, connection to the whenua (land) and/or their ability to build strong connections with community.

“It’s a balancing act. Too much fear-based information can tip me over. I’ve become more purposeful in the content that I take in to make sure I’m focusing on action and hope.” – Sarah, health promoter.

If you are feeling what some people call ‘ecoanxiety’ or ‘climate anxiety’, join us to find ways to help yourself and the environment.

“The best thing for me is taking action for nature, in nature.” – Russ, community tree planter.

Why do I feel ecoanxiety?

We all have a deeply personal and sometimes different relationship to the environment. It’s natural to feel worried or anxious about the impacts of climate change. Te ao Māori and many other cultures have a sacred connection to Te Taiao and whenua. If you’ve experienced extreme weather events, are going through financial challenges or live with mental distress, you may find climate change has a bigger impact on your mental health.

Find more ways to cope with climate worries

Climate Mental Health Network Aotearoa raises awareness and creates conversation spaces.

Find out more

How can ecoanxiety affect mental health?

Ecoanxiety can affect our mental health in different ways, including:

Rebuilding and recovering after extreme weather events affect your whenua, home or community.
Seeing stories in the news or online about climate change and feeling powerless, angry or fearful.
Learning more about climate change and feeling overwhelmed.
Feeling less safe in our homes, feeling less hope for the future.
Grieving what has been lost including natural environments, endangered species and homes.
Feeling guilt over your own activities like travel and electricity use.

All these feelings are normal responses to climate change and often come from feelings of love, care and empathy for others and the world around you.

How to find climate hope

“I think it’s important to find ways to help in your own community. It’s giving a part of yourself, giving love. You can see you’re helping, you can see small changes, and it makes a real difference.” – Hannah, conservation volunteer.

Acknowledge your feelings: they are real, normal and valid. You’re not alone in feeling them: many people are experiencing ecoanxiety. You don’t need to ‘fix’ this. Instead, find ways to manage your feelings and take action. You might like to use this Climate Emotions Wheel to help you recognise how you’re feeling and help manage your emotions.

Take notice of the positive things going on: seek out good news stories about the mahi (work) being done to help in neighbourhoods, communities and regions around you.

“Volunteering in nature has helped show me what might be possible if we take action and work together. Yes, I see evidence of the climate changing, but I also see evidence there is reason to hope. The success stories keep me optimistic.” – Linda, wildlife sanctuary volunteer.

Connect with traditional knowledge: Kaumatua Witi Ashby says a good example is how efforts to stop ‘Kauri die-back’ have been transformed by reframing projects to focus on ‘Kauri Ora’ or the health of kauri.

“We can look to our stories, traditions and wisdom to find ancient solutions to modern problems.” – Kaumatua Witi says.

Create actionable hope: take steps to make an impact by finding activities or organisations to join. These might include:
- Cleaning up local rivers, beaches or neighbourhoods
- Helping to control pests
- Volunteering your time for wildlife projects
- Supporting your community to create less waste (e.g. food waste reduction, repairing or refurbishing broken items)
- Joining climate cafés or attend workshops

The Citizens Advice Bureau can help you to find volunteering opportunities.

Be mindful of the news you read or watch: make sure you’re using trusted sources and set yourself time limits for scrolling. Find the right balance for you so you can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Actively seek out stories of climate hope and success.

Find ways to talk to the people you’re close to about how you’re feeling, especially those who share your concerns. You may be able to find ways to work together.

Make small lifestyle changes: this might include using public transport, switching out single-use items for rechargeable or reusable ones, recycling, growing your own food, or composting.

“Being part of something and working in a positive way helps me feel less powerless. I was feeling frustrated and depressed but paying attention to what I could do has turned my mood around.” – Calum, working to clean up his local awa (river).

Look after yourself

“Spending time in nature is the quickest way to lift my mood. I’m looking after myself when I look after the earth.” – Zoe, student.

Climate worries can have a big impact on our mental wellbeing. Find ways to look after yourself by:

Taking breaks from social media and the news.
Asking to change the subject if you need a break from kōrero (talking) about climate change.
Relaxing and recharging. It’s okay to take a break from climate action and from thinking and talking about the environment. Look after yourself so you can look after the planet.
Remembering the good work that’s taking place every day to protect people and the planet.
Spending time in nature in whatever way works for you.

Need further help?

If ecoanxiety is having a big impact on your life, including affecting your sleep, enjoyment of usual activities and interrupting your thoughts, it might be a good idea to get some extra help: https://www.depression.org.nz/seeking-support