Coping with Climate Anxiety

Recently, TWC was interviewed and we discussed strategies for coping with our ever changing climate. For those who struggle with climate anxiety, take a look at the following:

In what ways can the stressors of air pollution, wildfires and climate stressors contribute to a lack of sex or intimacy? 

When a person is feeling overwhelmed with stress, perhaps presenting with symptoms of anxiety or depression, this can easily lead to erectile dysfunction and low libido.  We need to remember that our emotional state greatly impacts our ability to feel sexual arousal and desire. Therefore, when we are mentally or emotionally stressed, it’s very common that our desire for sex and intimacy will decline. 

How is eco-anxiety addressed and treated? 

For people struggling with eco-anxiety, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a really great intervention.  CBT is a type of intervention that will allow people focus on what they can control and how they can contribute positively to this cause, while also recognizing what’s beyond their control.

There are also things that we can do outside of therapy that can be particularly helpful.  For instance, be mindful of how much news you consume and ensure that the news you do consume is high quality.  Do not doom-scroll; if needed, put limits on your apps.  Educate yourself on ways that you can contribute in a positive and meaningful way.  And of course, please take good care of yourself.  The better nurtured you are, the better you will be able to nurture others, including our environment.  Exercise daily, consume healthy foods, practice gratitude, and create moments of stillness, whether through meditation, mindfulness or prayer.

What should the public know about environmental stressors and what methods should they incorporate for treatment? 

We’ve known for decades that there is a strong relationship between environmental stressors and mental health. Whether the environmental stressors were war, plagues, pollution, poverty, etc.  It’s important to put this in perspective and remember that there have always been environmental stressors – and the truth of it is that they never really go away, they simply change over time. 

While this may not sound uplifting, there is a message of hope.  It is essential that we remember that we are a resilient species.  We are creative, we are resourceful, we are survivors.  Sometimes reminding ourselves of what our ancestors have endured can inspire us to develop the strength, tenacity and inspiration to give this one life of ours, our absolute best.