Preserving Mental Health While Fighting for Planetary Health
As wildfires raged in Western Canada in early May, seven individuals gathered for a monthly support group meeting over Zoom. The facilitator, Kady Cowan, opened the session by addressing climate change-related concerns. These gatherings, known as "climate sanctuaries," offer a vital space for people in climate-linked roles to share their feelings and support each other.
The Role of Climate Peer-Support Groups
Cowan's climate sanctuary, founded over four years ago, provides a platform for professionals and volunteers to discuss their climate-related anxieties. These groups are becoming increasingly recognized for their role in building mental health resilience amidst the climate crisis. During the May session, participants expressed relief at being able to share their worries and have their feelings validated.
Addressing the Disconnect
The idea for Cowan’s support group arose from the frustration she felt about the disconnect between scientific warnings about climate change and the inaction of decision-makers. This disconnect often leads to feelings of anger and helplessness, which can quickly lead to burnout, especially for those deeply involved in environmental work.
Climate Anxiety: A Growing Public Health Challenge
Climate anxiety, characterized by distress over the impending threats of climate change, is an emerging public health issue in Canada. Symptoms include dread, trouble sleeping, and obsessive thinking, which can disrupt daily life. Despite these symptoms, climate anxiety is not considered a mental illness but rather a rational response to the climate crisis. However, the lack of societal permission to feel this way can exacerbate feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.
Building Resilience Through Action and Support
Support groups like Cowan’s, and climate-focused psychotherapy sessions led by professionals like Toronto psychiatrist Nate Charach, help individuals manage their climate anxiety. Engaging in local climate actions, such as neighborhood cleanups or environmental rallies, can also provide a sense of agency and purpose.
Indigenous Perspectives on Resilience
Severn Cullis-Suzuki, executive director at the Suzuki Foundation, shares a personal story of her son’s climate anxiety and how community cleanups helped him feel part of the solution. She highlights the importance of resilience narratives, particularly from Indigenous communities, which offer alternative ways of relating to the natural world.
Janna Wale, a climate policy researcher from Gitanmaax First Nation, emphasizes that Indigenous communities have long endured environmental losses and have developed resilience strategies. These communities are actively involved in building resilience for future generations.
Moving Forward
As the impacts of climate change become more severe, it is crucial to address the mental health challenges that arise. Climate peer-support groups, action-oriented responses, and resilience-building activities are essential strategies for maintaining mental health while continuing the fight for planetary health.
FAQs
Q: What is climate anxiety?
A: Climate anxiety refers to the heightened distress individuals feel about the threats posed by climate change. Symptoms include feelings of dread, trouble sleeping, and obsessive thinking.
Q: How can support groups help with climate anxiety?
A: Support groups provide a space for individuals to share their concerns and feelings, helping to validate their experiences and build mental health resilience.
Q: What role do local climate actions play in managing climate anxiety?
A: Engaging in local climate actions, such as cleanups and rallies, can give individuals a sense of agency and purpose, helping to alleviate feelings of powerlessness.
Q: How do Indigenous perspectives contribute to climate resilience?
A: Indigenous communities offer narratives of resilience and alternative ways of relating to the natural world, which can be empowering and provide strategies for adapting to environmental changes.
Q: What is the importance of validating climate-related emotions?
A: Validating climate-related emotions helps individuals feel understood and supported, reducing feelings of isolation and hopelessness associated with climate anxiety.
#ClimateAnxiety #MentalHealth #EnvironmentalResilience #ClimateChangeSupport #IndigenousResilience
