What is Eco Anxiety by Charlie Robinson
Dear Planet Earth, Humanity has Ghosted you. This is what truly scares us, not just for Halloween, but always. For far too long we have failed to care for you. You are the most sacred site of all, yet we have let you down.
The Patriarchal ways of today’s world have seen greed and destruction dominate. Future generations will look back and wonder why we were so selfish? Why did we care so much about money, individualism and power? Where is the compassion for humanity, nature and the children of the future?
But we believe there is hope yet. There are trailblazers out there doing things the RIGHT way. There is a refreshing movement of thinkers and activists who are paving the way for others to follow. We’re here to lift the veil on those who are putting people and planet first. To shine a light on matriarchal approaches will heal planet earth and those who walk upon it. Let’s stop ghosting our planet.
Within this theme we wanted to highlight one of the team, Charlie Robinson - our jeweller and training psychotherapist. Charlie has always been inspired by ancient wisdom, plant magic, nature and working with natures cycles.
WORDS FROM CHARLIE
I've battled with eco-anxiety as someone that uses mined material and chemicals to create their art. I've had to reflect on the impact of what I do, sitting with guilt then making positive changes to the way I work, give back and source materials. I am also a trainee psychotherapist and nature lover so this is a topic close to my heart.
WHAT IS ECO-ANXIETY?
Eco-anxiety, refers to a chronic fear and worry about the state of the environment and the impact of climate change. People experiencing eco-anxiety might feel overwhelmed and helpless about what they can do to stop the ecological crisis we are facing. It can affect your overall sense of wellbeing, potentially manifesting as negative or obsessive thought patterns, insomnia, a loud inner critic or depression.
Global warming, pollution and loss of biodiversity can feel like such insurmountable problems and many of us feel that the solutions are insufficient or out of reach. It is difficult to accept and hold the truth of this large existential threat and not feel absolutely terrified or heartbroken. Unlike other anxieties, the ecological crisis can't be avoided. It affects everyone of us from the air we breathe, the water we drink to the land we grow on.
WHAT CAN HELP?
Re-frame
It may seem counter intuitive and it isn't easy, but often accepting the anxious feelings rather than pushing them away can ease things. We can then begin asking: What are these feelings telling me? Anxiety often helps you identify your fears and what you really care about. The fact you are impacted by the state of the environment shows you can see and face the truth. You love this planet and care about the beings on it. It is an appropriate response to something so devastating, but it need not consume you. Can you start by giving that big courageous heart of yours some compassion?
Self-Care
We may want to jump into action but it is important to take care of yourself and "put your own oxygen mask on first". If you find yourself doom scrolling and glued to the news maybe give yourself time to digest that information. It is important to be informed but can you limit it to a certain part of the day? Preferably not first thing in the morning or before bed. Maybe pepper in some good news about innovations in the sustainability field. Often eco anxiety can be a symptom of our disconnection from the natural world. Re-connect through mindful activities in nature which have the added benefit of regulating your nervous system. These may include bird watching, foraging, wild swimming, walking, gardening or forest bathing. Involve friends as the more people fall in love with nature the more they will want to protect it.
Take Action
Mindful activities in nature can even be part of your activism. It needn't feel difficult to be impactful and if you enjoy yourself you are more likely to stick at it. For example could your garden support biodiversity? Can your bird watching include surveying different spices? Could your walk on the beach involve beach cleaning? You could even volunteer to do some practical conservation at your local Wildlife Trust: Mindful activity, activism and community all in one! Seeing the impact you make to a tiny corner of the world can ease feelings of despair. If you are less of a hands on person or struggle with mobility perhaps using your voice is the best way to take action - writing, campaigning and having uncomfortable conversations. Then of course there is protesting, buying consciously and making lifestyle choices. Every action counts.
Cultivate Hope
As you can see, there are endless ways to take action and each one unique to your skills and capacity. If you are stuck feeling that nothing you do will ever be enough remember you are just one person who is trying your best and there are many others like you. This is a problem we face together so perhaps find or build a community of like minded people so you can support each other in the work. In the words of Angela Y. Davis: “It is in collectives that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.” Talking therapy can also be a great place to work through feelings of hopelessness that are hard to move past. It is easy to focus on the destruction and suffering humans cause especially as we are being live streamed a genocide but this isn't all we are. We are also guardians of this Earth. There are scientists, teachers, conservationists, artists, healers and activists all using their gifts to protect our precious home.
"Eco-anxiety, refers to a chronic fear and worry about the state of the environment and the impact of climate change. People experiencing eco-anxiety might feel overwhelmed and helpless about what they can do to stop the ecological crisis we are facing. It can affect your overall sense of wellbeing, potentially manifesting as negative or obsessive thought patterns, insomnia, a loud inner critic or depression."
RESOURCES
MIND - Finding low cost talking therapy
The Wildlife Trusts - Get involved
Woodland Trust - Biodiversity in your garden
The Good Trade - Sustainable Clothing Brands
Greenpeace UK - Hope in a Climate Crisis
Extinction Rebellion - Get Involved
Survival International - Get involved