Clover Hogan talks about her experience of feeling anxiety about the climate crises. She talks about the need to provide space for people to express their feelings and find ways to move forward through connection to each other and to nature. She says once we have established this connection, the anxiety can be channelled into action with a feeling of energy. She stresses the need to see our current situation as a 'gift' of being a custodian of the planet, whilst it is certainly a challenge, and sometimes overwhelming, there is a strength there when we work together with others.
Sarah Roberts, working with Eco-Schools, gives a clear description of Eco-Anxiety and outlines how it is effecting many young people. She explores ways teachers can address it and also teach about climate change in a way that doesn't trigger anxiety.
Eco-anxiety is a type of anxiety that is caused by concern for the environment and the future of the planet. It is a normal response to the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, but it can also be overwhelming and debilitating. Here are some strategies that can help prevent eco-anxiety:
Managing eco-anxiety requires a holistic approach that includes self-care, action, connection, and seeking professional help when needed. By taking care of ourselves and taking action to address environmental issues, we can reduce feelings of anxiety and work towards a more sustainable future.
The Climate Change Playbook has 22 interactive exercises that help people (adults and children) to clarify the confusion and misconceptions that are apparent regarding climate change. reflect on the causes, anticipate future consequences in a supportive environment, and most importantly to effect constructive change.
The authors identify the six features of climate system that cause the most difficulties are : habitual behaviour; inappropriate frames; uncertainty; autonomous behaviour; long delays and magnification.
Each game is either a mass game for a lot of people, a demonstration game for a few people to be involved in and others to reflect on, or a participation game for up to 30 people. Drawn from the author's time studying and teaching systems thinking, the games are effective in enabling participants to see the bigger picture, change their perspectives and assumptions, see interdependencies, think about the long term view, see cuase and effect relationships and much more. A fascinating approach: the games are simple and flexible and enable memorable and deep learning.
A Guide to Eco-Anxiety is a thorough analysis of eco-anxiety, its causes and how to address it. The author and psychoanalyst, Anouchka Grose, explores the growing phenomenon of eco-anxiety and provides a useful selection of emotional tools and strategies to ease anxiety, with a particular focus on taking action both individually and with others. The need for, and power of, talking about climate change are explained and practical ways to provide openings for these discussions suggested.
Different treatments and therapies are explained and a toolkit is provided, full of practical ways to foster connection, provide support and self-care, and strategies to spread awareness and impact change.
Renee Lertzman has produced an excellent website with tools, strategies and explanations about her approach to being a guide for people at this complex time. Getting Started - PIO (projectinsideout.net)
She provides video explanations of the different stages, approaches and tools. It is a very thorough and meaningful guide - invaluable for practitioners such as teachers as we consider our role not just as imparters of information, but a guides to support our pupils through their journey of discovery, with their sense of self and hope thriving. An excellent resource!
There are several games that can help with eco-anxiety by providing a fun and engaging way to learn about the environment and take action. Here are a few examples:
These games are just a few examples of the many games that can help with eco-anxiety. By providing a fun and engaging way to learn about the environment and take action, they can help individuals feel more empowered and hopeful about the future.
Simulations can be a useful tool to help individuals understand the impact of their actions on the environment, and to explore solutions to environmental problems. Here are a few examples of simulations that can help with eco-anxiety:
These simulations can help individuals feel more informed about environmental issues and empowered to take action. By allowing players to explore solutions to environmental problems in a safe and interactive way, simulations can help reduce anxiety and promote positive change.
Worry monsters can be a helpful tool for individuals experiencing eco-anxiety. Worry monsters are stuffed animals with a zippered mouth that individuals can use to "feed" their worries. The idea is to write down worries or concerns on a piece of paper, and then "feed" them to the monster by placing them in its mouth. This can help individuals feel like they are acknowledging their worries and taking steps to manage them.
While worry monsters are not specifically designed to address eco-anxiety, they can be used to help individuals manage any type of anxiety or worry. By externalizing their worries and putting them in the hands of a stuffed animal, individuals can feel a sense of control over their anxiety. Additionally, the act of writing down worries and physically feeding them to the monster can be a cathartic experience.
There are also worry monsters designed specifically for eco-anxiety. These may be designed with images or themes related to the environment, and may include prompts or exercises to help individuals manage their anxiety in a constructive way. While worry monsters are not a substitute for professional help or other forms of support, they can be a helpful tool for individuals looking for a simple and accessible way to manage their eco-anxiety.