The Silent Struggle: Climate Anxiety In Kids

The beauty of our era is how freely we express ourselves. It's heartening to see that discussing issues like mental health and anxiety is no longer taboo. Despite this shift, climate or eco-anxiety remains unaddressed, to an extent that many of us may not even know it exists. Considering the number of people affected, it's high time we shed some light on the issue.

Although climate anxiety hasn't found its voice yet, it's a massive concern affecting many, especially children. A global survey on the prevalence of eco-anxiety among young kids suggests nearly 60% are "very or extremely worried" about climate change. About 84% are at least "moderately worried.” Over half reported feeling sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty.

Additionally, over 45% said climate change negatively impacted their daily lives, and many experience frequent negative thoughts about it. For instance, 75% found the future frightening, and 83% believed people and the government had failed to care for the planet.

Now, I bet you're wondering what climate anxiety is. Unfortunately, there is no formal definition. The Climate Psychology Alliance, a collection of therapists and researchers, describes it as "heightened emotional, mental or somatic [bodily] distress in response to dangerous changes in the climate system.”

In simple terms, Climate Anxiety is constant stress about climate change and its impact on the planet. It's like constantly worrying about the environment and what might happen to the Earth in the future. This worry hastens your mental and physical well-being.

According to research and evidence, children are experiencing eco-anxiety due to rising awareness about climate change. They experience depression, sadness, anger, and fear. The problem with climate anxiety is its broader aspect. Once diagnosed, its treatment is unclear, unlike other forms of mental stress that can be addressed with intervention.

Pollution, global warming, and extreme weather directly impact the planet's well-being, leading to devastating consequences such as rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, and more frequent and severe natural disasters. This makes people concerned about the environment feel vulnerable, anxious, or stressed, leading to climate anxiety.

As per the Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Inequities, and Responses report, the younger generation is feeling frustrated and betrayed by poor governmental responses to climate change.

In America alone, over two-thirds of adults have reported some form of anxiety about climate change. A Washington Post report suggests an average 6-year-old will witness three times as many climate disasters as their grandparents and seven times as many heat waves. That's a terrifying future for anyone, let alone our youth.

Way out?

It is challenging to initiate a conversation about climate change with kids, but talking openly and honestly about the issue can be an essential first step. Discuss and give your child the knowledge, awareness, and tools to navigate the environment around them. Below are the ways that might help mitigate eco-anxiety in kids and improve mental health in children.

1. Listen and validate their emotions: The Lancet's report on youth climate anxiety suggests that one of the most effective ways to support individuals undergoing climate anxiety is validating their emotions. Even if you do not share a similar sentiment, showing compassion can make them feel heard.
2. Be there and support them: Kids gather knowledge about climate change through news, conversations they hear, and social media, which can paint a confusing picture. So, guide them and let them ask questions. If you need the answers, explore together. Use reputable sources like Climate Kids by NASA to study. Books about climate change can also help integrate the subject into your home.
3. Don't keep them in the dark: We all understand the bigger picture and issues our future generation might face. However, the less alien the concept is, the more secure our kids will feel when interacting with the changing environment. Being clear about climate change can facilitate a sense of hope and show them how to turn their concern into action. Do not scare them, but empower them.
4. Opt for schools and courses that teach about climate change: Given the growing impact, a climate change curriculum in schools is necessary. This can mitigate youth climate anxiety through information, educational tools, and support. Also, online courses are available for studying and self-educating.
5. Introduce them to positive research: Instilling hope for the future about the state of the Earth may be the best way to diminish emotional distress. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) often publishes progress reports about sustainable development goals by all countries.
6. Adopt environmentally friendly practices at home: Encourage sustainable living by adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Recycle, compost, and use eco-friendly products for day-to-day things. Donate used goods and avoid disposable items. Switch off the lights and electronics when not in use. These are some simple ways to help your child make a big difference and bring positive environmental impact.
7. Plant trees and garden together: Planting trees has several benefits. It lessens pollutants, increases property value, cools your homes naturally, and helps eliminate noise pollution. Additionally, spending time around nature and even looking at them can positively affect mental well-being.
8. Ditch imported, go local: shop from local farmers. Stack essentials in advance. A visit to the farmers' market is an excellent family outing, as farmers selling at markets minimizes the waste and pollution they create.
9. Give up single-use plastics. Carry your bottles and bags wherever you go. Try avoiding single-use plastics in your day-to-day lives as much as possible.



Though this era celebrates freedom of expression, climate anxiety is often overlooked and underestimated. However, its prevalence, especially among children, demands urgent attention. Statistics paint a grim picture. The emotional turmoil young kids experience is concerning. By making room for their concerns and our own, we allow creative and collaborative solutions to emerge. This way we begin to empower each other. It all begins by voicing our worries about climate change and encouraging our children to do the same by example. Silence offers no solutions.