Climate Anxiety Therapy in Morgantown, WV
For adults who are ready to move from climate fear and environmental grief toward greater hope, connection, and calm.
Do you find your mood depends on what it feels like outside?
Do you avoid the news or panic when the temperature changes?
Do you get uneasy when it doesn’t feel as warm or cool outside as you think it should?
Are you constantly Googling statistics and projecting future weather models?
Climate anxiety is a special kind of fear. We cannot avoid the weather. Even sitting inside it’s easy to see if it’s raining or not, easy to look up information online that feeds into worries. The constant need to know what’s going on can lead to obsession and fear loops.
Maybe you try to set limits on how much time you can spend on your phone doomscrolling. Maybe you banned the Weather Channel in your house. You feel impending doom and an overwhelm to know constantly. You’re always on high alert–and you’re ready to live differently.
Have a question or ready to get started? Reach out today!
When Concern For The Climate Becomes Difficult To Carry
Learning how to navigate life with climate change anxiety is challenging. Unlike some other worries which are easier to shut out, our environment is always around us and subtle changes can be easy to feel and see. The prevalence of the internet and cell phones can only make it harder. Between weather apps, constant notifications, and instant access to weather disasters around the world, you can always be connected to the thing that gives you the most stress. You worry about our world, about people being affected in high-risk zones, and about yourself and your family.
You remember when you used to simply enjoy the changing of the seasons and when you were able to focus on living life in the sunshine. Somehow, that peace became an obsession and now you’re keyed up and on edge. You avoid things that you know will trigger your anxiety, but those things are becoming more and more common.
Unfortunately, your fears are not unfounded or illogical, either: we are in a climate crisis. What was once seen as something occurring as existential and intangible has arrived on our doorstep. Extreme weather events that seemed far from home have become a national and global humanitarian crisis. The depth of the issue is so large and complex that the mental health impacts are just starting to be studied. This anxiety, however, is not a mental illness. It is a normal reaction to a threat to our home.
Your Climate Concerns Are Shared By Many
You are not alone in your fear. In a Yale study, about 24% of adults reported being very worried about climate change, with more feeling somewhat or slightly worried. No matter where you fall on the anxiety spectrum, we are here to help.
Turning Climate Anxiety Into Connection And Meaningful Action
Treating climate anxiety is different from treating general anxiety–it requires action and connection. At Mind Body Wellness, we focus on what we can change and try to expend energy there rather than doomism and focusing on things outside of our control. Some ideas that may help include writing to elected officials, participating in advocacy, and building more sustainable habits for ourselves. We encourage self-care and time away from the constant stream of news we are able to access. We also believe that community can bring healing, and invite you to find groups or friends with similar beliefs. Spending time in nature, connecting with the beautiful world around you may help you to remember that not all is lost.
Climate anxiety is real, but it does not have to be debilitating. We encourage you to reach out to Mind Body Wellness for support.
Finding Ground Beneath The Fear
In sessions, we will work to identify what your core fear is and will mitigate ways to lessen the grip that belief has on you. One option that may be particularly helpful for climate anxiety is ecotherapy. We have trained therapists available to work with you outside in nature, promoting grounding and peace from the natural world. We believe in a connection to Mother earth and to self. We want to work with our planet, not catastrophize away our joy.
We will acknowledge that which we can work on and control and will try to let go of what we cannot. You are only one person facing a huge systemic, equality, and corporate problem. Let us help you to find out who you are under the fear and anxiety.
Still have questions about Climate Anxiety Therapy?
How do I know if I have climate anxiety?
Climate anxiety can present differently for many people, but some common experiences include:
Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed when thinking about the future
Sleep interruptions due to environmental worries
Excessive guilt about own personal environmental impact
Fear about bringing children into an uncertain world
Avoidance of any media related to climate change OR overconsumption of all climate-related media
These feelings are becoming more common. You are not alone.
How can I stay informed about climate issues without feeling overwhelmed?
This will depend on each person individually. Many people find it helpful to set boundaries around climate-related consumption including news and social media. This may include choosing one reliable source to check, not 5, putting screen limits on phone and social media scrolling, and balancing information with activities that help you to feel grounded and hopeful. Therapy can help you to find a balance between staying engaged with issues you care about and protecting your mental health.
Can climate anxiety affect teenagers and young people?
Yes. Many teenagers and young adults report anxiety related to climate change. Growing up in a time when climate issues are frequently discussed in schools and in the news can make climate change often feel even more urgent and present in everyday life. Therapy can provide a supportive place to talk about concerns and to develop health strategies to manage this anxiety, preventing it from interfering with schoolwork, relationships, and self-care.
Find A Calmer Way To Care About The World
If you are ready to schedule a free consultation, please click the Let’s Get Started button, give us a call, or send us a text at 304-363-4265. We are ready to help you to see the beauty in our world and to break free from anxiety and fear.
