How to Manage Climate Anxiety and Existential Dread
Anxiety about the climate crisis has become a shared experience for many, a persistent worry that seeps into daily life and disrupts peace of mind. Climate anxiety is a recognition of the fragile state of the world we inhabit coupled with fear of our unknown future. How can we respond to these emotions in a way that feels meaningful?
Understanding Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety might appear as sleepless nights spent scrolling through alarming headlines or a heavy feeling when you see the natural world and worry for its future. In addition to your own safety, you likely worry about your kid’s future or question if it makes sense to have kids at all with so much scary uncertainty looming. Maybe you have a heart for animals and feel devastated for the impact that climate change is having on polar bears and other innocent creatures.
What You Can and Can’t Control
Understanding what you can influence and what you cannot is key. You may not halt global deforestation on your own, but you can support organizations and initiatives that work toward that goal. Recognizing these boundaries isn’t giving up; it’s focusing your energy where it can make a difference.
Try making two lists: one for what’s within your control, like reducing waste, joining advocacy efforts, or making sustainable choices, and another for what lies outside of it. This process can help clarify your role and ease feelings of helplessness.
Ways to Cope and Take Action
Allow Yourself to Feel
Grieve for the losses, feel the anger, and sit with the fear. These emotions are human and valid. Avoiding them won’t make them disappear—acknowledging them is often the first step toward healing.Take Small, Meaningful Steps
Plant a tree, write to your representatives, or volunteer in your community. Even the smallest actions can make a difference. Taking steps, however modest, not only helps the planet but also soothes your inner turmoil.Limit Overexposure to Bad News
Constantly consuming negative headlines can deepen feelings of despair. Instead, balance your awareness by seeking out stories of innovation and progress. Focus on what’s being done to create a better future.Stay Grounded in the Present
The future is uncertain, but the present is here. Notice the small joys around you: a moment of quiet, a kind word, or the beauty of the natural world. Grounding techniques like mindful breathing or walks in nature can help anchor you.Connect With Others
Community can provide support and amplify your efforts. Whether online or in person, joining groups focused on environmental action or emotional support can lighten the load and increase your sense of purpose.Let Go of Perfection
No one can live a perfectly sustainable life. Every small effort counts. The goal isn’t perfection but progress—each step forward matters. Celebrate those wins, however small they may seem.
Balancing Despair and Hope
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but hope and despair can coexist. Despair highlights what’s at stake, while hope provides the motivation to keep going. Together, they create a balance that can drive meaningful action.
Humanity has faced challenges before and found ways to adapt and overcome. While there’s no guarantee of success, the possibility remains—and that’s worth holding onto.
Seeking Support When Needed
If these feelings become too much, don’t hesitate to seek help. Therapies like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EMDR, or somatic approaches can offer tools for managing overwhelming emotions. Support is available, and you don’t have to face this alone.
Climate anxiety is heavy, but it’s also a sign of your care and connection to the world. It’s a reminder that you’re engaged and invested in something bigger than yourself. Let that awareness inspire action, community, and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable planet we all share.