Dealing With Climate Anxiety as a College Student
It’s difficult not to get caught up in the frightening headlines which seem to pollute the media these days. The stories usually describe one natural disaster after the next, recounting the grief of those directly affected by the calamity. Sometimes, they suggest our ever-impending doom, reporting in petrifying detail how little time we have left to reverse the damage. Then of course there are the most maddening updates of all, which expose the obstinate and idiotic refusal of governments and corporations across the world to take meaningful action against climate change.
As young people who have grown up in the “era of finding shit out” (a.k.a the “era of unintended consequences”), it is difficult not to be discouraged by the lack of initiative displayed by those in power. They are the ones who grew rich and powerful off the 20th century’s “we do whatever the hell we want” attitude, should it not be up to them to guide us towards a more sustainable future? And if they are refusing to take responsibility, when will they step aside and give us the chance to turn this train wreck around?
The anger, disillusionment, and uncertainty can feel crushing at times, especially after a particularly nasty case of doomsday scrolling. The good news is that you are not alone. According to a recent global study by various academics at universities across the globe, nearly 75% of young people between the ages of 16 and 25 are frightened for the future of our world. The same study cited that 64% of young people are irritated with their government for not doing enough to combat climate change. At the very least, this reinforces the fact that we are in this together, a generation unified across borders, ethnicities, races, and religions. We are the ones who will ultimately inherit the power of those currently in control, providing us the opportunity to implement serious and widespread change. Until the time comes for us to pick up the torch, we can continue growing and learning, educating ourselves on the many social, political, economic, and cultural implications of the problem we face. We can also continue to raise awareness and enact small but meaningful changes in our own lives. Giving up hope means we are giving up everything, and that simply isn’t an option.
Let’s reel things back in from the future to the present, from the global to the personal. We have covered the importance of unity, hope, and passion. These concepts are vital, but it is equally (if not more) crucial that we continue to take care of ourselves in the meantime. There are several steps we can take to reduce the debilitating effects of climate-related anxiety and irritation.
First of all, your feelings are completely justified. Anxiety and fear are reasonable emotional responses to the current situation. You do not need to downplay or ignore these feelings but embrace them. Recognizing how you feel and understanding where it stems from will only make you stronger.
A second step you can take is to find a community where it is safe to discuss how your experiences, feelings, and frustrations. As outlined in the paragraphs above, countless young people are mentally affected by the growing risks related to climate change. There is no doubt that almost everyone on this campus has felt heaviness in their chest after watching reports on the wildfires raging out west, or seeing a video of a dilapidated polar bear floating on a pathetic platform of ice. It is important to express these feelings of grief and helplessness before they become isolating.
A third method of alleviating climate-induced anxiety is to take action. Focus on that which is within your control, such as your own environmental impact. This can be as simple as going thrifting rather than buying something new, or biking to class rather than searching for a parking spot on campus. You can also affect changes within your community by getting involved with the Office of Sustainability or participating in a local march or rally.
It is also okay for you to take a break from climate news. While it may feel irresponsible to not be constantly informed, it is important to realize that your mental health always comes first. Besides, the headlines will always be there when you are ready to plug back in. Take the time usually dedicated to scrolling and do something that makes you happy, whether that be a walk through the gardens in Historic, reading a book, or simply binge-watching your favorite shows.
A final way you can deal with climate anxiety is by tuning into the positives. This can be done by following Instagram accounts such as @officialhappyeconews or @unep. These platforms focus on local and international initiatives to reverse the effects of climate change, giving an optimistic twist to the typical climate story. Additionally, supporting these creators and their mission will enable their organizations to do more in terms of raising awareness and money.