The planet's climate catastrophe is becoming an actual threat rather than a theoretical one. Eco-anxiety is a contemporary mental health issue. It is fueled by rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, resource depletion, and the fear of an unknown future.

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Although not formally recognized as a mental disorder, eco-anxiety is on the rise. This is especially true in nations like India that are susceptible to the effects of climate change. We'll go into detail on eco-anxiety in this blog. We'll discuss its forms and evidence-based coping mechanisms, such as those based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

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Understanding Eco-Anxiety  

The persistent fear of environmental doom is known as eco-anxiety. This phrase refers to the anxiety, tension, and emotional turmoil brought on by worries about climate change and its possible effects. Diagnostic guides such as the DSM-5 do not recognise eco-anxiety as a disorder. But mental health practitioners acknowledge eco-anxiety as a major emotional experience that can impact general wellbeing.

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Many people in India are reporting feeling helpless, guilty, and despondent about the health of the environment. This is because extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and floods become increasingly frequent. The pressure to take significant action in a world that frequently seems unconcerned about the climate catastrophe exacerbates this.

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Common Types of Eco-Anxiety  

Eco-anxiety manifests differently depending on individual experiences and environmental exposure. Here are the most common types:  

Acute Eco-Anxiety

This is characterised by sudden stress or panic. This can be brought on by climate-related occurrences like cyclones or floods. People in India, where these kinds of natural disasters happen frequently, frequently feel more anxious and afraid during them.

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Chronic Eco-Anxiety

A persistent concern about the long-term effects of climate change is the root cause of chronic eco-anxiety. This kind is more subdued and frequently goes hand in hand with pessimism about the future. 

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Eco-Grief

This is the melancholy or grief people get when they see biodiversity disappear or the environment being destroyed. Eco-grief is very common in rural Indian communities that depend on natural resources.

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Solastalgia 

The term "solastalgia," which was coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht, describes the emotional anguish that people experience as their immediate surroundings deteriorate. This kind of anxiety might be brought on by urbanization and pollution in places like Delhi and Mumbai.

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Guilt-Induced Eco-Anxiety

This kind appears when people believe they are to blame for the deterioration of the environment. Such guilt can contribute to anxiety disorders. People may feel guilty about behaviours like consuming single-use plastics or depending on fossil fuels in India. This guilt increases as awareness of carbon footprints is expanding.

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Steps to Cope with Eco-Anxiety  

It takes a combination of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional techniques to address eco-anxiety. The following are practical measures to address this escalating mental health issue:  

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Acknowledge Your Feelings

It's critical to acknowledge your feelings rather than brush them off. Understand that eco-anxiety is a reasonable reaction to a world catastrophe. Processing these feelings can be aided by journaling or speaking with a trusted person.

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Focus on What You Can Control

Put your energy into things that you can manage. For example: 

• Make sustainable lifestyle decisions like using less plastic and using less water.
• Take part in neighbourhood tree-planting campaigns or other environmental projects.

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Limit Exposure to Negative News

Although it's crucial to keep educated, too much exposure to news about climate change can make people feel more anxious. Establish restrictions for news consumption. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a trusted friend with a simple phone call to share your thoughts. Concentrate on uplifting tales of environmental advancement to maintain a positive outlook.

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Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation

Yoga and meditation are two mindfulness practices that help people manage their anxiety. By doing these exercises, you can lessen your tendency to dwell on dire situations and stay in the moment. These techniques can also be beneficial for individuals dealing with mental health disorders.

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Seek Social Support

A sense of belonging and a common goal can be developed by interacting with like-minded people. Social media and local non-governmental organizations frequently host events. These events address a wide range of environmental and mental health concerns. These also provide people with constructive ways to express their worries.

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Consider Professional Help

It's an effective decision to get professional assistance if eco-anxiety seriously interferes with your day-to-day activities. Mental health counselors who have received training in climate-conscious mental health techniques can offer specialized coping mechanisms for this particular type of worry. Seeking help from experts can make a significant difference in managing eco-anxiety and other mental health problems effectively.

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How Rocket Health Can Help You

Rocket Health offers online mental health services that are customized to meet each person's particular needs. The team is aware of the effects of eco-anxiety, particularly in the Indian setting. You can benefit from online treatment in the following ways:

• Accessibility: You can communicate with a therapist from anywhere via online platforms. 
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• Convenience: Making an online appointment saves time and effort by removing the need to travel. 
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• Anonymity: Online therapy offers a degree of anonymity. This promotes transparency for people who are reluctant to seek in-person assistance. 
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• All-inclusive Care: Rocket Health provides comprehensive support for a variety of mental health issues, going beyond eco-anxiety. This includes treatment for eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse. These issues can sometimes be exacerbated by the stress and emotional toll of climate change.

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Mental health care through Rocket Health ensures personalized support to help individuals navigate and manage their anxiety effectively.

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Conclusion  

Growing climate-related issues are causing eco-anxiety, a mental health issue that is becoming more prevalent in India. The distress can be greatly alleviated by recognizing your emotions, acting proactively, and getting competent assistance. Talk therapy can be an effective way to process these emotions and develop strategies to cope. Regaining control over your mental health and addressing eco-anxiety may be accomplished  effectively with the help of therapy services like Rocket Health.

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If eco-anxiety is affecting your mental health, don’t hesitate to take the first step toward healing. Book a session with Rocket Health today - your mental health matters.

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References

Boluda-Verdu, I., Senent-Valero, M., Casas-Escolano, M., Matijasevich, A., & Pastor-Valero, M. (2022). Fear for the future: Eco-anxiety and health implications, a systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 84, 101904.

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Crandon, T. J., Scott, J. G., Charlson, F. J., & Thomas, H. J. (2024). A theoretical model of climate anxiety and coping. Discover Psychology, 4(1), 94. Kurth, C., & Pihkala, P. (2022). Eco-anxiety: What it is and why it matters. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 981814.

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Pearson, H. (2024). The rise of eco-anxiety: scientists wake up to the mental-health toll of climate change. Nature, 628(8007), 256-258. Stanley, S. K., Hogg, T. L., Leviston, Z., & Walker, I. (2021).