On this page
The lands, waters and wildlife in your area can play a role in your mental health and well-being. It’s common to experience feelings such as anxiety when reflecting on the effects of climate change on the people, places and things that are important to you. On this page, Good2Talk collaborates with The Knowledge Institute to share information about climate change, eco-anxiety and mental health. You can find a link to The Knowledge Institute’s website to read their full resource about eco-anxiety at the end of this page.
Thinking about climate change (tap for information from the Government of Canada) and its effects on the planet can bring up different feelings for some folks. You might experience:
- anger
- fear
- grief
- guilt
- panic
- sadness
- worry
Some people refer to these feelings about the world and its future as eco-anxiety (tap for information from Kids Help Phone). If you think you may be experiencing eco-anxiety, there are coping strategies you can try to navigate climate change and your emotions. You can:
- advocate for the cause in ways that are accessible to you
- collaborate with peers on / off campus on climate action projects
- consider changes in your daily life to help support the environment
- encourage people in your network(s) to get involved with you
- increase your knowledge about climate change
- join a climate action organization
- prioritize your mental health and well-being, practise self-care, etc.
- seek connection with other people (e.g. friends, classmates, Elders, family / community members, professors, etc.)
- sign up for an in-person or online support group
- try to identify / reflect on your feelings and decide on one climate action to start with
No matter how you’re feeling about climate change, you’re not alone. To discover more ways to cope with eco-anxiety and other emotions around climate change, you can explore The Knowledge Institute’s website.
You might notice The Knowledge Institute uses different language, style, processes, etc. than Good2Talk. You can always use the words, resources and supports that work best for you.
Are you interested in seeking support for climate change concerns, eco-anxiety and / or your mental health as a post-secondary student? You can contact a professional counsellor or volunteer crisis responder 24/7. We’re Good2Talk whenever you need us!
