Lori Gottlieb Teaches Brit + Anj Therapy 101

What is climate anxiety?

Climate anxiety is, essentially, feeling distressed in response to climate change and its effects on our lives, the environment, and humanity at large. It’s not only correlated with feeling anxious, though. Climate anxiety can bring about emotions such as worry, despair, hopelessness, shame, fear, grief, anger, existentialism, and impending doom.

According to Merritt Juliano JD LCSW, feelings of climate anxiety can range from minor to severe.

“Climate anxiety can lead to daily feelings of upset and distress, severe cognitive changes such as intrusive thoughts, difficulty sleeping, difficulty connecting with others, angry outbursts, and an overall preoccupation with the planetary health crisis,” said Juliano. “This can lead to difficulty enjoying life, and an overall deterioration in one’s emotional, psychological and social well-being.”

These feelings are most commonly attributed to environmental factors, but Janice Overbeck, director and producer at 2050 Pictures, notes that it might not be the sole cause.

“People like to be in control of themselves and their futures – it gives a sense of assurance," said Overbeck. “By feeling like large, world-changing issues are out of control, people can be left to feel small, lost, and at times, hopeless. These feelings can quickly spiral into despair and overall lack of enthusiasm for life with the future being so unknown.”

How does climate anxiety affect us?

Society's collective, growing anxiety about climate change has prompted individuals to look to the future with quite an existential lens. The question about having kids versus not is a huge consideration for many young people, according to Lea Flego, MA, LMFT, but the ‘right’ answer isn’t so black-and-white:

“Reducing the population does decrease the demands on natural resources, which is positive for the planet we call home,” said Flego. “However, raising children with eco-friendly values contributes to a generation with raised consciousness around climate issues and a stronger motivation to take action that disrupts the human-driven practices contributing to climate change and implement strategies to restore and protect the environment.”

More than anything, climate anxiety can call into question how we really live within our current industrial society. Though we may have good intentions for the planet, it can be challenging to maintain a climate-friendly lifestyle on our own. Oftentimes, sustainable choices can be expensive and inaccessible, especially for those living in middle to lower socioeconomic populations. Honestly, a lot of our environmental impact is left up to the ‘big guy,’ or a handful of larger corporations that contribute to carbon emissions and landfill waste, making it harder for a single person to feel like they can realistically make a difference.

“I feel that climate anxiety is less around individual guilt, and more tied to a concern for the way society is handling it,” said Overbeck. “This system that we have in place makes it difficult for the average person to make fully climate-conscious decisions.”

Julia Baum, MSEd, BFA, LMHC notes that though climate anxiety isn’t an “official diagnosis,” nor included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), “there is growing awareness and discussion about climate anxiety in the mental health field.” Feelings of climate anxiety can certainly exacerbate existing mental health issues, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If these mental health conditions compound on one another, it can hinder individuals from living to their full potential.

“[Climate distress] can lead to difficulty enjoying life, and an overall deterioration in one’s emotional, psychological and social well-being,” said Juliano. “At the extreme end, one may struggle with suicidal thoughts, and lack of concern for paying bills, rent, or saving money based on the belief that it doesn’t matter ‘if the world is ending.’”

Despite the dread of it all, the experts we’ve spoken to generally denounce believing the idea that ‘it doesn't matter.’ Seeing that climate anxiety can have serious impacts on our mental state and quality of life, doing the best we can with what we have is a much more effective (and accepted) approach for addressing climate anxiety – and, good news for you, there is real purpose to be found, even if you’re feeling climate-anxious.

“Anxiety tends to be unhealthy when your outlook on climate change and its projected impacts is rigid or extreme,” said Baum. “We need to find a way to take meaningful action within the areas we can influence and find a way to psychologically adjust to what we cannot, as difficult as that may be, to avoid additional suffering.”

7 Tips For Dealing With Climate Anxiety

If you’re dealing with climate anxiety, here are 7 tips on how to address and manage it.

1. Speak with a therapist.

There are many effective treatments for tackling general anxiety, such as therapy sessions, mindfulness practices, and support groups. These methods can *also* help you develop helpful thought patterns surrounding climate change.

“Climate change does affect us all, but if it is taking a significant toll on your mental health and general outlook on life, you owe it to yourself to discuss these concerns with a professional who can help,” said Overbeck. “By taking hold of your mental health, you are regaining a sense of control in your life that is needed to begin feeling better.”

Matter of fact, as climate anxiety becomes more common, more therapists are being trained and certified as eco-therapists, according to Flego. Eco-therapists are well-versed in climate complications, their impacts on mental health, as well as treatments that might work better for addressing climate anxiety.

“As a therapist, I address climate anxiety by first providing a space to share the thoughts and feelings related to climate change and validate them,” said Flego. “I also teach coping skills for managing feelings of anxiety and engage my clients in activities that explore and strengthen their connection to nature and adopt behaviors that align with eco-conscious values.”

2. Find your place in a like-minded community.

Meeting others that have the same outlook as you can be helpful. Maybe they’re struggling with the same feelings, too!

“In times of fear and change, community can be an important part of feeling safe and heard,” said Overbeck. “Spending time with like-minded people can make one feel less alone in their concerns.”

3. Engage in activism.

Taking action in your community can help you regain a sense of agency over climate-friendly policies or actions that benefit the earth. You could attend a trash cleanup, go to a community garden, or write to your local policymakers about climate change.

4. Talk about your feelings.

Confiding in friends, family, or even just journaling on your own can help you sort out your internal feelings about climate change, and the anxiety it may cause. In talks, you could consider your current outlook on the environment and the actions you can take to become more aligned with your true values. Just remember:

“There are no universal rules or ethics,” said Baum. “There are no correct or incorrect answers. The individual is responsible for choosing, and the positive, negative, and neutral consequences that ensue are theirs as well.”

5. Take a break from the news.

Overbeck recognizes that the news can be discouraging. Sometimes it’s okay to unplug from it! If you find doing that difficult, and you have to keep reading, she offers some advice:

“Consider checking whether the news you consume is fully negative when climate change is discussed. Does this article give any positive updates being reported? This does not mean that climate news will be fully solution-oriented and positive, but finding a balance between the two can be an important way to stay on top of the facts while learning ways you can feel hopeful.”

6. Spend time in nature.

Spending time in nature is *so* grounding, and can help you remember why you love the Earth in the first place. Venturing out and witnessing the planet’s beauty can also serve as a reminder that there’s still good things to see out there. Go for a hike! Hop on your bike! There's a whole world waiting for you.

7. Focus on what you *can* control.

“You are here on this planet given a certain amount of time to experience it to the fullest,” said Overbeck. “Allow yourself to achieve your goals, explore our world, and do your best to make a difference for the better.”

And it’s true. We can only do the best with what we know to do. There’s so much life to live, and allowing climate anxiety to creep in on its greatest moments can take away from the joy you were meant to experience.

“No one can predict how the planetary health crisis will unfold,” said Juliano. “Where there is uncertainty, there is always hope. The challenge for humanity at this time is to learn how to live with uncertainty. Given the uncertainty, how then do we wish to live?”

Dubbed as the opposite of triggers, “glimmers” are the tiny micro-moments of joy you encounter in day-to-day life. Even if brief, they allow for a moment of peace, a sliver of calm amidst the storm of life. While the glimmer may be fleeting, a new one is always closer than you think. They’re the book you pre-ordered finally arriving, or your favorite cafe making the perfect açaí bowl.

You may be wondering why the F you should care about "glimmers." Which is a fair first reaction, I might add. Consider this: You're having a pretty awful day. It's raining and all-around muggy. You woke up just late enough that your kids miss the bus, meaning you have to drive them to school, which is a whole 20 minutes out of your way from work. Sounds rough, right? But once you get to work, you realize your coworker brought in donuts. And your neighbor just texted you to say that they can pick up your kids from school, so there's no need to worry about rushing home. And you just got an out-of-the-blue text from an old friend. All of the sudden, your day doesn't feel that bad after all. And you mentally feel better, too.

Oh and fun fact: These small moments of joy may sound trivial, but they play an active role in calming down our central nervous system, thus improving our mental health. Pretty cool, right?!

Point is, we all have our thing — and when it comes to glimmers, there’s no right or wrong type.

If you’re having trouble coming up with your glimmers, remember that they’re all around us. They’re the freshly painted street lines, an insanely delicious strawberry, the smell of a marsh (New England gals know). Be aware, be patient, and better yet, be open. Open yourself to the experience of finding one and feeling one — whatever it's going to be. You might be surprised at what you find.

Bags

Lagos 5L Hiking Hydration Hip Pack

$50, was $100

This hip pack is the ultimate hydration hack for hiking, running, or even biking. It's fitted with a 2L reservoir and 3L of storage space (we're talking pockets on pockets) for on-the-go essentials like snacks and SPF! According to Cotopaxi, it clocks in at 10 ounces, making it a super lightweight option that won't weigh you down (back pain, who?). The back panel that meets your body opposite the adjustable straps is made of breathable mesh for added comfort.

Lagos 15L Hiking Hydration Pack

$72.50, was $145

If you need a larger hydration option with endless storage possibilities, this on-sale pack's the one for you! It comes complete with a 2.5L reservoir for water, while the remaining 12.5L is meant to hold additional gear (think clothes, headlamps, and camp shoes). This Coto backpack is exceptionally comfy to wear – it's designed with a ventilated, breathable back panel to air you out and waist belt wings to help take the heavy load off your back. If you already know you'll need more water on your backpacking trip or long day hike, this bag's also fitted with mesh bottle pockets on either side! It's another great lightweight option as it weighs 1 lb 7 oz.

Todo 16L Convertible Tote

$42.50, was $85

Did someone say 2-in-1? This sleek convertible piece is a backpack and a tote bag all at once. It's perfect for airplane travel, easily sliding under your seat or in the overhead storage space. No matter what, you can feel confident that the stuff you stow away is secure – a top zippered opening and interior 15" laptop sleeve will keep it in place. It also has a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or a phone!

Allpa X 4L Hip Pack

$52.50, was $75

This is the supreme Cotopaxi bag for hands-free adventures. Its adjustable strap can be customized for a fanny pack or crossbody fit, but either way, you'll be styling. As opposed to the Lagos Hip Pack, this one doesn't have a water reservoir, so it's best for short excursions. It'd be a lifesaver for any airport shenanigans you have coming up, since it enables super easy access to your phone, passport, wallet, and whatever else you wanna take with you! It's also compatible with the Allpa Travel Pack, measuring about 11 x 8 x 3.5 in to fit conveniently around it.

Jackets

Fuego Hooded Down Jacket

$147.50, was $295

It's no wonder Cotopaxi's Fuego jacket is one of their most beloved. The retro-esque striped gradient colorway gives total summer sunset vibes, which look good no matter if you're on the trail or roaming around the city. It's a total master at insulation (with 800-fill down) and repelling water (with a nylon shell construction), making comfort key. The scuba hood wraps around your head for maximized warmth – same with the zippered hand pockets on either side. Now is the best time to grab a summer camping-winter walking coat like this, since you're literally saving nearly $150.

Abrazo Fleece Half-Zip Jacket

$55, was $120

The fun, bright red colorway on this fleece ensures that you won't be missed on the trail. The contrasting zippered chest pocket gives your look some extra-stylish oomph that's practical for holding small items, too. The jacket itself boasts a half-zip that looks stunning in any configuration. The cuffs and collar are elastic, so you've definitely got some room to breathe and move around in this piece!

Teca Fleece Hooded Full-Zip Jacket

$70, was $140

Just as good a base layer as it is alone, this fleece is madly versatile for many different weather situations and activities. The iconic multicolor stripes are very cool in their own way, but what makes this garment even better is the fact that it's made from recycled fleece and repurposed polyester taffeta materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill! The full-length zipper and classic hood give you a good range of options for how to wear this jacket for the utmost comfort and confidence.

Cielo Rain Jacket

$72.50, was $145

This retro-inspired waterproof jacket might just be one of the freshest pieces of rain gear we've ever seen! It's highly breathable, being made from a medley of PFC-free recycled materials and mesh layers. Summer rain storms are truly no match! The zippered hand and chest pockets provide ample storage space for any small necessities you'd like to keep on-hand. In addition to this pink-orange options, there are 3 more colorways (blue, yellow, and black) to shop on sale right now.

Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

$40, was $80

Most ideal for windy days, the Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker still lets you tackle to gusts in style. Though it's a beast at blocking out strong winds, it's also impressively breathable! There's a back panel vent that covers the lower half of your back and lets fresh air in without letting a single chill sneak by. This Cotopaxi piece also packs down into itself, which is a total treat for minimalist travelers!

Fuego Down Vest

$92.50, was 185

You never know when you'll need an extra layer, and this down vest is the perfect thing to take along "just in case." It's perfect for those mild, temperate days where you still may find cool breezes in the shade. The two side pockets are streamlined in their open-faced design for tucking your hands into. The fact that you can snag this piece in the iconic sunset gradient coloration for half off is pretty nice, too.

Trico Hybrid Jacket

$87.50, was $175

Described as a "hybrid layer" that provides "even distribution of warmth," the Trico Jacket boasts panels of high pile fleece and 100% recycled synthetic insulation for extra coziness. It has a generously-sized hood as well as side pockets for colder moments, and a zippered chest pocket for storing the small stuff. Not to mention this electric magenta and burnt orange coloration is just stunning!

Teca Fleece Pullover

$50, was $100

No zips here – only buttons. This pullover is easy to throw on and off. It has snap buttons placed all the way up to the collar, but it also folds down stylishly when unbuttoned. The fleece material is fairly thin, so this one works best as a midlayer or light jacket. The kangaroo pockets speak to its casual vibes, making it perfect for everyday wear, from the office to the grocery store!

Teca Crop Jacket

$40, was $80

The cropped shape on this Cotopaxi jacket absolutely gives it a trendier feel, and we are very here for it! It's a wonderful light layer for chilly mornings-turned hot afternoons (IYKYK), and it's meant to fit loosely so you don't feel swamped at any point. There's an adjustable bungee at the hem that allows you to customize your perfect fit, too. The thin material makes this a very packable contender for extended travel!

Lighter Gear

Paseo Travel Crop T-Shirt

$27,50, was $55

Sometimes summer's sunnier days don't call for a single layer, which is why Cotopaxi offers lighter garments for sweat-worthy moments. This super-soft crew neck tee is crafted from an odor-resistant, quick-drying material for those exact occasions! Though practical AF, the cropped silhouette still gives this piece a trendy air. In addition to this tan color, there's a pink, blue, and yellow version on sale (50% off).

Sombra Sun Hoodie

$35, was $70

This sun hoodie already has UPF 50+ protection built in, which is crucial for long days spent in the sun. Even if it's hot, protection from harmful rays is important! Even if it does feel like a million degrees out, this pullover feels like nothing. It's super light and breathable. It flaunts thumbholes for added coverage and practicality, plus a tiny pocket along the back side for any must-haves.

Mari Crop Top

$30, was $60

Okay, fun and colorful! You're gonna be the coolest gal on the trail (or at the gym!) when you sport this cropped tank top. It's entirely movement-friendly, but still uber-stylish with a serene color scheme and cross-back straps. It's made from a quick-dry fabric that feels like heaven, even if you're breaking a sweat.