We are all impacted by climate change. Many of us are experiencing extreme weather and other crises. Indigenous peoples and people of color are facing environmental racism and injustices. People in the global South are disproportionately impacted. Activists, scientists, journalists, and others who work on climate change issues every day are coping with the health impacts of this work. Those who are not dealing with climate change head-on are also impacted. We may be feeling eco-anxiety, climate grief, and more. The impacts of climate crisis occur on all levels, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. If you are feeling impacted, no matter who you are, you are not alone. What are some feelings at experiences you might be having? Sadness, grief, detachment, anger, confusion, apathy, anguish, exhaustion, and hope are a few. How can we cope with our experiences, thoughts, and feelings about climate change?
Know that You are Resilient
Human beings have an inborn capacity to face challenges and overcome them. Our brains and bodies are neuroplastic, which means we have the ability to change and heal during and after difficulty. We are innately resilient and have an “overarching motivational force that pulses within us” toward our healing (Fosha, 2013). According to my nature-loving Celtic ancestors, the Willow tree represents wisdom, healing, and change. In that spirit, I like to compare our resilience to the Willow tree. Willow is flexible and can bend and move with the wind and weather. A single Willow branch can plant itself and grow new roots. Just as the Willow needs things like sunlight, soil, water, and air to grow, we also need certain things to help us grow strong. Or to re-plant and re-grow ourselves during and after hardship. Perhaps to remain flexible in the face of weather, loss, and change. And to find hope and renewal.
Connect to Others
Neurobiology tells us that we are made for connection, and that we thrive in connection. Keep in touch with the people in your life and avoid isolating yourself. This is so important. Talk about how you feel, and stay connected with people who feel safe and supportive. Go to cultural events, join a support group or another kind of group. If you are not feeling well or cannot leave your home easily, use the phone or internet to connect. Meet with a counselor, spiritual leader, or other support person if needed. If you find support with animals, a pet, or time outdoors with nature, lean on those connections too.
Listen
Perhaps your ancestors are indigenous to the land where you live. If not, who are the original indigenous inhabitants? What are indigenous people teaching or sharing about the place you call home? Look for community talks/event with indigenous speakers and panelists, find books by indigenous authors. Check out the Indigenous Land Map and the Indigenous Environmental Network. Indigenous peoples hold vast and deep knowledge about nature, which includes ways to steward land and resources sustainably. For example, the aboriginal people of Australia practice cultural burning which can help reduce large-scale bush fires (MC, 2020). It is critical to listen and follow the guidance of indigenous peoples and people of color who are experiencing environmental racism and injustice, and bearing the brunt of gentrification and resources shortages.
Take Action
Research shows that taking action can help us build resilience (Vestergren, Drury, & Hammar Chiriac, 2019). Everyone has the means to make a difference, no matter who you are. Start by recognizing the things you are already doing. Do you help your family, friends, or community in some way? Chances are that you probably do. Did you know this is climate action? Climate change threatens our basic social infrastructure. So, anything you are doing to contribute positively to society can be considered climate action. Can you do more? Start with small things. Were you planning to use a plastic bag for your fruit at the grocery store? Skip the bag or use a reusable bag. Do you have to take a flight somewhere and can’t avoid it? Buy carbon offsets through the airline or another company— these range from $10-$25 per flight. What else? Think about any privileges you hold and how you can use those privileges to help folks who may not be in the same position as you. Are you able to raise funds or do something else to help people who are being deeply impacted by climate crisis? Are you someone who is able to get involved as an activist? In the words of activist and leader Autumn Peltier, “One day I will be an ancestor and I want my descendants to know that I used my voice so that they could have a future.”
Practice Trauma Healing
Climate change threatens all of us, and therefore it is traumatic for all of us on some level. You may have recently been in a natural disaster, or had land or resources taken from you. You may be an activist or someone working directly with climate change issues, and feeling the toll this takes on your health. It can be traumatizing for anyone to read ongoing news headlines that mention disasters and extinction. Somatic counseling uses mindful, body-based approaches to discharge stress and heal trauma. You can meet with a somatic therapist for support, and there are also some things you can do on your own.
Grounding is one example of a somatic counseling that tool anyone can use: Stand or sit quietly with eyes closed, or with a soft focus. You can be inside or outside (anywhere where you will not be interrupted), and shoes can be on or off. Breathe. Notice the quality of your feet/body’s contact with the surface beneath you. Do this for a few minutes. See if you can feel or imagine yourself being held by the ground. It may help to imagine yourself with roots. When done, open your eyes (if they were closed). You may notice that you feel calmer and more relaxed. If so, see if you can take this calmness with you into your day, and know that you can practice grounding again any time. Go to my Resources page for more sources that can help as you build climate resilience.
Post by Diana O. Verschoor, January, 2020
References
Fosha, D. (2013). A heaven in a wild flower: Self, dissociation, and treatment in the context of the neurobiological core self. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 33, 496-523.
MC, A. (2020, January 15). How Australia’s Indigenous people can help the country fight fire. Al Jazeera.
Vestergren, S., Drury, J., & Hammar Chiriac, E. (2019). How participation in collective action changes relationships, behaviours, and beliefs: An interview study of the role of inter- and intragroup processes. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 7(1), 76-99.
Grounding is practiced in a few different somatic counseling approaches. Credit to Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and many others.