Helping Kids & Teens Cope With Climate Anxiety

The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent in the face of the disastrous impact of bushfires and floods. For many, this has contributed to or even caused anxiety, particularly in younger people. 

Even without climate change, younger people are dealing with more uncertainty about the future than ever before as they are more likely to change jobs and careers several times, have a harder time entering the housing market and are less likely to have long term relationships or get married. Climate change further complicates the future of the younger generation, resulting in what has been referred to as ‘Climate Anxiety’ or ‘Eco Anxiety’. 

There are lots of reasons why young people might feel stressed about climate change:

• They feel like they can’t plan for the future or that doing so is hopeless.

• They feel like everything is out of their control. 

• They are experiencing frustration that there is not much they can do to change things.

• They are angry with older generations and people who are apathetic towards climate change. 

• They worry that it may not be responsible to have children.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has called for the Australian government to declare a climate emergency based on their review of the research on climate anxiety among young people. Their findings include:

• 95% of Australian youth identify climate change as a serious problem causing extreme worry. 

• Four in five experience anxiety about climate change and are concerned it will reduce their quality of life in the future. 

• One in six report losing sleep due to climate anxiety. 

• Three in four young people report that they do not feel that their opinions and fears about the climate crisis are being taken seriously or validated by the government. 

• Many young couples report that climate change has been a factor in deciding whether to have children or where to live, with one in five young Australians reporting that they will either not have children or have fewer children because of climate change.

Climate anxiety can lead to feelings such as anger, depression, sadness, grief, anxiety and feelings of helplessness. In addition to anxiety, children who experience extreme weather events are also more likely to experience other mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, sleep disorders and learning difficulties. 

As climate change is expected to intensify, so are the mental health effects associated with it. The APS has created a Youth Advisory Group for youth aged 16-25 to discuss, explore and support one another with respect to climate issues.

For parents and teachers, there is a fine line between acknowledging the scientific reality of climate change and causing alarm, especially for those children who are already experiencing anxiety. Here are some steps you can take to help young people cope with climate anxiety and channel their worries into positive actions:

1. Take Action

Getting involved in activism efforts or discussions can help young people resolve their anxiety regarding the climate crisis. Bringing people face to face with their climate worries and turn them into constructive, problem-solving initiatives. ‘The Australian Youth Climate Coalition’ (AYCC) has over 150,000 members and the ‘School Strike 4 Climate Australia’ Facebook page has over 66,000 followers. Many people who experience climate anxiety report that activism and discussion with like-minded people have greatly alleviated their anxieties and given them a sense of purpose. 

2. Stay Positive

While climate change is a real and pressing concern for all, it is not all doom and gloom and there is a silver lining. One of the greatest things occurring worldwide is the fact that the youth are so engaged, aware and taking action on climate change. Celebrating the successes of the climate movement is like practicing gratitude, which is an excellent mood-booster. Encourage your child to make a list of things they are grateful for. Gratitude can decrease stress levels, improve social connections and strengthen the immune system.

3. Transform Guilt

When we’re scared we often freeze or exhibit defence mechanisms such as denial, deflection and distraction. This is generally unhelpful with respect to the climate crisis because guilt is not a motivating emotion. Rather than feeling burdened by guilt, it can be reframed as ‘responsibility’ and be remedied through collective action on climate change and even give youth a sense of purpose. 

4. Be Supportive

Parents can help their children cope with climate anxiety by acting as role models with respect to their own climate change understanding and activism, listening and acknowledging their children’s concerns, encouraging their interest in the issue and supporting their participation in activism and support groups.

5. Be Eco-Friendly

Show your support and understanding of climate issues by leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Use reusable coffee cups, containers and bags. Turn off lights when they are not being used. Using public transport and riding bikes is also a great way to be more eco-friendly. 

6. Encourage Breaks

Sometimes social media news feeds, emails, chats and activism can overwhelm those experiencing climate anxiety and lead to burnout. Encourage your child to take a break from climate change issues and be present and enjoy a day to recharge at home or out in nature.

7. Self-Care

The climate emergency requires both internal and external solutions. To take collective action and confront the climate crisis you need to take care of yourself and acknowledge any discomfort or guilt you may feel. 

While the anxiety related to climate change is increasingly prevalent in younger people, it is certainly not the first time anxiety has risen in response to global issues that create uncertainty or an impending sense of doom. Many of the therapeutic techniques developed during the Cold War to help people with ‘nuclear anxiety’ are applicable to people experiencing climate anxiety today. 

Check out the Australian Psychological Society’s resources on climate change to learn more about how you can cope with the climate crisis and be part of the solution.