AS EXTREME weather events become more commonplace, concerns about climate change are increasingly shaping how young people view their future.
This feeling is often described as climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, a broader term that encompasses worries about environmental issues beyond climate change alone.
The American Psychological Association describes climate anxiety as a chronic fear of environmental doom. This anxiety can manifest as anger, guilt, grief over the loss of ways of life or a sense of hopelessness.
“From the medical and psychological side, our brain is built to spot danger and react to it. When people, especially young people, keep seeing news about floods, heatwaves, haze or landslides; or simply feel the days getting hotter, the brain switches into alert mode,” said Sunway Centre for Planetary Health climate and health research analyst Dr Alaa' Zain Al-Aabideen.
Recognising these feelings and learning how to manage them is essential not only for our own wellbeing, but also for sustaining our ability to care for the planet in the long run.
As Dr Alaa’ put it, “Looking after your mind is part of looking after the planet, because we need people to be healthy and hopeful for the long run.”
If climate worries feel overwhelming, here are a few tips to manage them:
> Take care of yourself
Take breaks from the constant stream of bad news when you need to, and don’t feel guilty about resting or enjoying life.
> Seek knowledge and hope
Balance bad news with knowledge and hope. Learn about what communities, organisations and young people are doing to drive change.
Understanding not only the challenges posed by climate change, but also the solutions available, can help make the problem feel less overwhelming.
List out the different types of climate advocacy work you can find on the Internet to ground yourself in achievable, manageable actions.
> Know that you are not alone
You don’t have to deal with climate anxiety alone. Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. Sharing your worries can help you feel less alone and less overwhelmed.
Try joining the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health’s very own Jiwa Bumi listening circles, a peer-support group where participants gather and talk about climate grievances.
> Get involved
While climate anxiety can feel overwhelming, it can also motivate us to make a difference. Taking action, especially alongside others, can help restore a sense of control and ease feelings of helplessness.
“It is about doing small things consistently. Pick one or two things you can do, find people who care about the same things and lean on each other,” said Dr Alaa’.
This can mean making more environmentally conscious choices in your daily life, like reducing energy use or choosing more sustainable transport.
You can also look up local organisations offering opportunities to take part in river clean-ups, flood relief efforts, regenerative farming projects or workshops on sustainable living and soil conservation.
> Seek help if it gets too much
When climate anxiety becomes so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life, additional support may be needed.
“One thing to keep in mind is that worrying about climate change is normal. The question is whether we recognise those feelings and turn them into something positive, or whether we start coping in unhealthy ways,” Dr Alaa’ said.
If climate-related worries begin affecting sleep, concentration, studies or relationships, or leave you feeling persistently distressed, consider speaking to a counsellor, doctor or mental health professional.
Young people can explore available support services, such as Selangor’s Talian Belia Sihat mental health support helpline or the Hub Rakan Sokongan, an online peer support and mental health service.
Parents and teachers can also look out for these changes in behaviour. Recognising these signs early and offering support can make a meaningful difference.
