Coping with Climate Change Fear and Anxiety: An Exploration of Ecoanxiety in Skeptics and Deniers
Managing Emotions, Responsibilities, and Defense Mechanisms in the Face of Climate Change
The year 2022 brought with it a variety of global concerns. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Swiftly rising inflation rates. Heightened threats of nuclear conflict. And so many more. Despite the challenges many countries faced last year, a recent survey revealed a more harrowing concern. Across 19 countries in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific, a median of 75% of people label climate change a “major threat” to their country¹. This data indicates a consensus worldwide: climate-related issues are an imminent problem that must be addressed. For many, this has resulted in a growing sense of climate anxiety — a fear of the future and what it holds in store due to the effects of climate change.
Ecoanxiety - It’s Personal
I remember — and you may, too — when the term ‘climate anxiety’ was only used among people in the environmental movement. Now, it has become an everyday understanding — a reflection of how climate change has moved from a distant issue to one that is increasingly felt on a personal level.
Our worries about the climate can manifest in powerful and lasting ways. In fact, scholarly research published just last month explains that the impact of these growing environmental concerns is as real and potent as any physical manifestation of climate change.
“Personal climate anxiety is a climate impact in its own right..²”
Ecoanxiety, which is another way to say climate anxiety, is far more than just mild stress about the long-term future. Climate anxiety is an understandable and painful response to our current environmental crisis. Anxiety related to climate change can manifest in diverse ways, including but not limited to:
- clinical disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
- maladaptive coping strategies, such as substance misuse
- feelings of despair and impending doom
- pre-traumatic stress
- anticipatory mourning and complex feelings of loss, sadness, and guilt
- dangerous relationship problems, including intimate partner violence
- feelings of hopelessness, disillusion, and burnout⁴.
This list is not exhaustive. The changing climate harms our mental health in many other ways. The increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, heat waves, and extreme weather, for example, are all detrimental to our well-being for obvious reasons. Heat waves can cause us to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. At the same time, extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts can lead to displacement, forced migration, and food insecurity, each of which is connected to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems⁵.
Could Climate Skeptics Have Ecoanxiety?
The signs of climate anxiety are all around us. From the fear of how we will fare in a world impacted by climate change, to anticipatory mourning for potential losses, to feeling paralyzed with dread and despair — our well-being is suffering as we grapple with these feelings. There is little doubt that climate anxiety is heightened in those conscious of the existential threat of climate change⁴. But what if someone appears indifferent or even skeptical about climate change? Could they also be exhibiting symptoms of climate anxiety? The answer is a resounding yes.
The answer is a resounding yes.
According to research, climate anxiety can be classified into two distinct categories⁴. To best understand these, let’s call them fear system and panic system anxiety.
- FEAR: Fear system anxiety can be a powerful emotion that grips us deeply, making it difficult to think clearly or find peace. It is often rooted in fear of an unknown future and uncertainty about the consequences of our actions. This type of anxiety can stem from our inability to control events near and far, leaving us vulnerable and exposed to potential harm and danger. This type of anxiety is associated with fears of death, annihilation, and extinction, leading to some struggling to maintain a sense of equilibrium.
- PANIC: Panic system anxiety is a feeling of intense dread and apprehension from witnessing climate change’s effects. This type of anxiety might involve feelings of powerlessness. It can make us intensely aware that something essential to us may be lost or that we are personally responsible for this loss. It can also come with fear about how we will fare in a world impacted by climate change and what losses we may have to endure in the future. This type of anxiety is associated with pre-traumatic stress and anticipatory mourning. It can be a valuable reminder of the fragility of our planet. Still, it can also paralyze us with fear and lead to feelings of despair.
Studies have demonstrated that even those who deny or are apathetic toward the gravity of climate change may be subconsciously deploying defense mechanisms to protect themselves from being overwhelmed by the magnitude of this issue. It is clear that our well-being suffers when we live with anxious thoughts or in constant fear and panic. That is why it is crucial to recognize the signs of climate anxiety to identify and address potential issues.
Ecoanxiety Defense Mechanisms
Individuals and societies employ defense mechanisms regarding climate change to protect themselves from feeling too uncomfortable. It is essential to recognize these coping methods, conscious or unconscious, as they can provide short-term relief and reduce the emotional impact of our awareness of climate change. In times of crisis or high stress, our egos work behind the scenes to employ defense mechanisms that shield us from the harsh reality of our situation. These measures help us avoid responsibility and cope with anxieties or stress.
Individual defense mechanisms are measures an individual takes to cope with climate-related anxieties, such as denying the reality of climate change or avoiding responsibility for it. This can be seen in those who remain apathetic about the issue. At a societal level, tactics may be used to reduce commonly shared concerns or to avoid collective responsibility. Evidence of this is in our cultural norms. Many people find climate change discussions as inappropriate as conversations about religion and politics. On a governmental level, it can also be found in providing economic stimulus in times of crisis. In both cases, these tactics are employed to reduce the intensity of negative emotions associated with climate change.
That being said, it is essential to remember that our defense mechanisms are just coping strategies — not solutions — and should be used consciously to allow us to find empathy for others who may have different views on the subject. Despite the differences between nations, Pew’s research hints at an inspiring sense of optimism: the collective agrees that cooperation and finding shared values are key.³ This gives us hope for a better future — one where we can work towards overcoming our anxieties and striving together towards a more sustainable world.
💡Note From the Author
As we strive towards a more sustainable and resilient future, remember that you are not alone. Consider visiting The Resilient Activist for tips on remaining resilient in the face of climate change, and follow/subscribe on Medium and Linkedin for more evidence-based resources. Together, we can continue to work towards overcoming our eco-anxiety and create lasting solutions for a better future.
Naomi
Resources:
1 — Poushter, J., Fagan, M., & Gubbala, S. (2022, August 31). Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey. Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey/
2-Fyke, J., Weaver, A. Reducing personal climate risk to reduce personal climate anxiety. Nat. Clim. Chang. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01617-4
3 — American Psychological Association. (2020, February 6). Majority of US Adults Believe Climate Change Is Most Important Issue Today. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/02/climate-change.html
4-Dodds, J. (2021). The psychology of climate anxiety. BJPsych Bulletin, 45(4). https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2021.18
5-Collier, S. (2022, June 13). If climate change keeps you up at night, here’s how to cope. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-climate-change-keeping-you-up-at-night-you-may-have-climate-anxiety-202206132761#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20survey%20by,are%20very%20or%20extremely%20worried.
