Climate Crisis and the Mind: The Rise of Eco-Anxiety in a Warming World
As the climate crisis intensifies, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the damage isn’t just environmental—it’s also psychological. While most conversations about climate change focus on rising sea levels, melting glaciers, or heatwaves, there’s a growing emotional undercurrent affecting people around the world: eco-anxiety.
This form of anxiety, though not officially classified as a mental disorder, is being recognized by psychologists and mental health professionals as a very real and significant emotional response to the climate emergency. It’s particularly common among younger generations who are growing up under the looming shadow of environmental degradation and an uncertain future.
What is Eco-Anxiety?
Eco-anxiety—also referred to as climate anxiety—manifests through symptoms like helplessness, guilt, sadness, and distress about the planet’s future. People experiencing eco-anxiety may feel overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis and powerless to make a difference. This can lead to chronic worry, a sense of doom, and even existential dread.
A global survey published in The Lancet Planetary Health in 2021 found that among more than 10,000 young people aged 16 to 25, 60% said they were “very worried” about climate change, and nearly half reported that their daily lives were affected by these concerns.
Psychologists have been concerned about this issue since at least 2011, but the term was legitimized in 2017 when the American Psychological Association (APA) formally defined it as a “chronic fear of environmental doom.”
Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, explains it as “distress about climate change and its impacts on the landscape and human existence.” He adds that it can present as intrusive thoughts or emotional turmoil about future disasters or even the survival of one’s descendants.
Pandemic Amplified the Climate Fears
While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily brought some environmental clarity—empty streets, cleaner air, and visible stars in urban skies—it also made the fragility of our planet and systems painfully obvious. The uncertainty, isolation, and constant flow of grim news during the lockdowns created fertile ground for eco-anxiety to grow, especially among younger people.
Deepti Chandy, therapist and COO at Anna Chandy & Associates, observes, “The pandemic not only increased our general levels of anxiety but also heightened our awareness of the environment. We began noticing more—like unusual heatwaves or prolonged cold spells.”
Indeed, global weather patterns have shifted dramatically. Japan’s famous Sakura (cherry blossom) season was delayed by weeks, and cities like Bengaluru in India have reported record-breaking heat spells—signs of a changing climate that are hard to ignore.
“These visible changes reinforce the sense that something is off,” Chandy notes. “So yes, eco-anxiety is very present and very real today.”
Is Eco-Anxiety a Clinical Disorder?
Despite its increasing visibility, eco-anxiety is not formally recognized as a mental illness in clinical diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. However, mental health experts affirm its validity and emotional weight.
Sumalatha Vasudeva, a psychologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Bengaluru, notes that although eco-anxiety isn’t clinically diagnosed, its psychological effects are real. “The anticipation of climate-related disasters can cause fear and distress, especially when individuals feel powerless to influence the situation,” she explains.
Chandy likens eco-anxiety to trauma. “It activates our fight-or-flight response. For many, it can resemble a trauma reaction,” she says. In fact, it shares traits with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where changing weather or daylight affects emotional well-being.
“Climate and weather influence not just our mood but how we relate to ourselves and others,” Chandy adds. “When it’s too hot, people tend to be more irritable. Prolonged cold can make people feel emotionally low.”
In one recent case, Chandy heard from a client in New York who felt unusually anxious because of a lingering winter in April. “That’s how climate anxiety sneaks in—it’s a mix of disorientation, helplessness, and emotional overwhelm,” she says. “It might not be in the DSM yet, but the emotional toll? That’s very real.”
A Spike in Public Interest
A 2021 report by Grist noted a 565% spike in Google searches for “climate anxiety”, revealing a significant public interest in the subject. This reflects a growing recognition that the mental health impacts of the climate crisis are not just looming—they’re already here.
The growing concern also points to a need for more research and policy focus on the psychological dimensions of climate change. Currently, most climate change discussions remain technical or scientific. Integrating mental health into environmental policy could help individuals cope more effectively and encourage community resilience.
How to Cope with Eco-Anxiety
Feeling anxious about climate change is natural—and in some ways, even rational. However, there are ways to manage and reduce the emotional burden it brings.
1. Focus on what you can control:
“Begin with small, meaningful everyday actions,” says Chandy. “Consume fashion more sustainably, reduce plastic use, use public transport, or walk when possible. These steps give you a sense of agency and contribution.”
2. Talk about it:
Like any mental health issue, discussing your concerns can help you process them. Whether it’s with a friend, therapist, or support group, voicing these emotions validates your experience and often brings clarity.
3. Reconnect with nature:
Grounding techniques such as walking barefoot on natural ground, gardening, or spending time in green spaces can help reduce anxiety and rebuild a sense of connection to the earth. These practices help stabilize the nervous system and reinforce our bond with the natural world.
4. Take collective action:
Getting involved in local sustainability projects or environmental advocacy groups can foster a sense of purpose. It reminds people that they’re not alone in their concerns and can be part of something larger.
5. Limit doomscrolling:
Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to bad news can worsen anxiety. Curate your media consumption and balance distressing content with stories of climate solutions and innovations.
At the Heart of It All: Love for the Planet
At its core, eco-anxiety stems from love—love for our home, for future generations, and for the planet itself. It’s an emotional response born out of care and concern, not weakness. And while the climate crisis is undeniably daunting, turning anxiety into action is one of the most powerful tools we have.
We may not be able to solve global warming as individuals, but by recognizing our emotions, taking mindful steps, and supporting collective action, we can help shape a healthier future.
Because while the world may be heating up, our hope—and our responsibility—must not cool down.
