Embracing Climate Change Concerns: A Mindset Shift for a Brighter Future

Written by Giovanni Zenone, RCC

A very good friend of mine was taking his usual commute to work via our wonderful Skytrain lines. Like many young, working adults, he was clearing his head before boring down into work with something near and dear to my heart; gaming.

In-between rounds of Marvel Snap, he started to people watch. Other commuters scattered around, but something grabbed his attention. Another person, by his estimation in their teens, had their head in their phone as well, but they were not card battling using superheroes. Instead, this young person was using their spare time to look up climate maps for North America and charts on the increasing heatwave.

The fear and anxiety surrounding environmental issues, often referred to as eco-anxiety, can be overwhelming. But here’s the thing: we have the power to change our mindset and confront these fears head-on. So, let’s explore a bit about the idea and what we can do to reframe our thinking about this type of existential anxiety.

Reframing the Picture and Give Grace – Getting away from the Personal

Rather than viewing climate change as an insurmountable threat, let's see it as an opportunity for positive action; but we need to make sure it is not completely on our shoulders. Every small effort counts, and together, we form a formidable force for change. So, keeping in mind the small things in our lives that can contribute to energy and climate conservation is important like things shutting off lights and taking more public transit (like my friend) if it is possible. 

However, we have to give ourselves some grace with this thing. If you mess up and forget about those lights one night, it is (literally) not the end of the world. Our individual actions pale in comparison with the impact of different corporations that contribute to climate change. We cannot lay every bit of this massive problem on us.

However, that does not mean we can’t use our voice to amplify those working with Indigenous groups or Green organizations that are fighting the good fight, or, if you feel more of that need to be involved, volunteer some of your time to aiding them. ( << Click these links for more information)

Another way to help that feeling of committing to action is join others in a local climate march in your city or community. Overall, by reframing the narrative, we empower ourselves to contribute what we can and not get bogged down in what we cannot. 

Balancing Media Intake – Detoxing from the Deluge

Let’s face it; whatever is wrong with our world is amplified by the media we consume. When it comes to things like eco-anxiety, that increase becomes even more pervasive. It is easy to find a number of articles and think pieces that can absolutely drain any optimism from us. The research out there is, with all honestly, tough to take. But here is my take on this; sometimes I must unplug.

To maintain a healthier mindset about eco-anxiety, one of the best things to do is set limits on media consumption. This can be in general if your social media or news diet tends to lean toward these topics or a more specific break from certain sites that generate this discussion. If you have friend groups that tend to gravitate toward this topic, you can set some boundaries for yourself that if aspects around the environment or climate change come up, you will remove yourself from the situation.

Once you are feeling like you can engage with this type of media again, seek out balanced coverage that includes solutions and progress. If you find yourself like the teen on the Skytrain doom-scrolling on climate maps, take a second to listen to the parts of you that are pushing for more of this knowledge and switch off for a bit. Being well-informed is important, but emotional well-being matters too. 

Eco-anxiety is real, but so is our capacity to shift our mindset and face these fears with courage and compassion for ourselves. By reframing our perspective, we can navigate the challenges of climate change in a more positive and empowered way. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture of change. If you are feeling that, even with these ideas, eco-anxiety is still weighing on you, then we at Boundless Heart are here to help.

Giovanni Zenone, RCC at Boundless Heart Counselling Group