Mother Earth & Eco-anxiety

Mother Earth, our planet Earth, is suffering. As a Naturopath, I observe the same elements of suffering and symptoms of systemic chronic dis-ease in our planet as I do in my patients. This lack of vitality and dysregulation appears to me to be the macrocosm (planet Earth) of the microcosm (human species). We are one and the same. As we as a species have become separate from Nature, incidence of chronic disease has increased dramatically, our previous symbiotic relationship in danger.

Many of us recognise the need for urgent climate change action and many of us are also now feeling the very real effects of eco-anxiety (Usher et al. 2019, Howard & Huston 2019, Reyes et al. 2021, Gislason et al. 2021).

“Eco-anxiety is a specific form of anxiety relating to stress or distress caused by environmental changes and our knowledge of them (Usher et al. 2019).”, or “chronic fear of environmental doom (Clayton et al. 2017 p. 68).” 

We move through this world in the physical body, often neglecting our deep connection to the Earth and Nature as a whole. However, for those of us that have always been connected to, or have re-connected to our one-ness with Nature are now presenting with symptoms of eco-anxiety. This includes insomnia, obsessive thinking, changes in appetite, panic attacks, stress, anxiety, depression, even PTSD and suicidal ideation. Climate change-induced weather conditions and an increase in natural disasters can have a profound impact on our mental health (Usher et al. 2019 p. 1233, Reyes et al. 2021, Gislason et al. 2021). Why is this so?

The biophilia hypothesis states that, “humans have an innate connection with the natural world and derive psychological and well-being benefits from this affiliation (Wilson 1984).”  

“Is not the core of nature in the heart of man?” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

There is also another layer to this for some, termed ‘ecological grief’ (Cunsolo & Ellis, 2018, Howard & Huston 2019). Which is when adverse climate-related events disrupt our connection with the Natural world leading to feelings of loss due to alterations to places which are significant to an individual or community (Cunsolo & Ellis, 2018).

Eco-anxiety can manifest as anxiety about the future and of the planet as we know it. Some people take action and protest and try to actively create change. Although, others are completely overwhelmed and paralysed by anxiety and therefore, cannot act, a term called eco-paralysis (Usher et al. 2019).

During such times things appear very much outside of our immediate control. We need to provide support in developing active coping skills and promoting social connectedness and community empowerment. But what can we do right now as individuals in our daily lives to reduce the impact of climate change and our eco-anxiety and become the change we want to see in the world?

Support Mother Nature’s recovery and ease eco-anxiety by focusing on what you can do:

·      Support clean energy and renewables

·      Use energy wisely, which will also reduce costs

·      Reduce waste

·      Eat more plants, buy local, organic, seasonal produce, don’t waste food, grow your own.

·      Start a fruit/veggie/herb patch – reconnect with the food you are eating

·      Plant more trees

·      Take public transport where you can and/or ride a bike

·      Fly less

·      Holiday locally

·      AVOID plastics

·      Insulate your house, wear warm jumpers and thick socks, sit with a hot water bottle to save on heating

·      Shrink your digital footprint – energy is required for all the data we produce, especially streaming services.

·      AVOID consuming for consuming sake

·      Focus on the simple pleasures in life and spend more time in Nature

·      AVOID fast fashion & SUPPORT ethically made, sustainable slow fashion made by artisans with their bare hands.

·      Mend old clothes or purchase second hand.

·      Invest your money sustainably – consider social, ethical and ecological impacts

·      Take your children to garden-based-learning workshops and or forest school so that our future generations grow up with a deep love, respect and connection to our planet.

·      Use your voice in the next elections and make your vote count.

“The significant problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” – Albert Einstein.

If we all try to make more informed decisions going forward, collectively we can support Mother Earth and secure the planets wonders for future generations.

As with most things in life, there is usually never just one cause and thus never one solution. However, if we attempt to distance ourselves from the fear mentality into one of love and hope we can apply consistent daily action - implementing these small changes, then as with our own health we can go on to create BIG CHANGE & IMPROVEMENT.

I believe given the right environment the body has innate ability to heal itself and I truly believe that given the right environment the planet, Mother Earth, has an innate ability to heal herself too. We are one and the same.

Mother Nature gives us life. It is time we return to an intimate relationship with the planet and all living things to support her recovery. It is in reconnecting with Nature that we not only support the health of our magical planet but reclaim our own.

“Nature is much more multidimensional than just a force. Nature is a force with intelligence. A force with transcendent wisdom. A force with a pattern and a design beyond our comprehension.” – Paul Bergner

References:

Albrecht, G (2011). Chronic environmental change: Emerging ‘psychoterratic’ syndromes. I. Weissbecker (Ed). Climate Change and Human Well-being (p. 43-56). New York: Springer.

Australian Psychological Society (APS). 101 Things you can do to help address climate change.

https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/2a2156ab-559c-4316-888a-a8cd82fcb780/101-things-you-can-do-climate-change_1.pdf

Clayton, S., Manning, C., Krygsman, K., & Speiser, M. (2017). Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications, and guidance. American Psychological Association, and ecoAmerica. Retrieved December 19, 2020, from https://www.apa.org/news/ press/releases/2017/03/mental-health-climate.pdf

Gislason, M.K. Kennedy, A.M. Witham, S.M. (2021). The Interplay between Social and Ecological Determinants of Mental Health for Children and Youth in the Climate Crisis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.18, 4573. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094573.

Howard, C & Huston, P. (2019). The health effects of climate change: Know the risks and become part of the solutions. Canada Communicable Disease Report. 45(5). 114-118. Doi: 10.14745/ccdr.v45i05a01.

Usher, K. Durkin, J. Bhullar, N. (2019). Eco-anxiety: How thinking about climate change-related environmental decline is affecting our mental health. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 28(6), 1233-1234. Doi: 10.111/inm.12673.

Wilson, E.O. (1984). Biophilia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.