Anxiety is a natural response of the human body to situations of stress or danger. However, in recent years, a new type of anxiety has emerged: environmental anxiety. This phenomenon refers to the constant worry and fear related to the environment and the negative impacts it can have on our lives and the planet. Environmental anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from everyday worries about pollution to extreme fear of extreme weather events or ecological disasters.
Origin and causes of anxiety Environmental
Environmental anxiety has its roots in growing public awareness of global environmental problems. Climate change, the loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution, among others, are challenges that humanity faces and that increasingly generate greater concern among the population. This increase in environmental awareness, while positive in terms of mobilization and action, can also trigger high levels of anxiety in some people.
In addition, constant exposure to alarming news and reports about the state of the environment environment through the media and social networks can contribute to increasing levels of environmental anxiety. Shocking images of natural disasters, reports of species extinction or massive pollution can generate a feeling of helplessness and fear in those who receive them.
Manifestations of environmental anxiety
Symptoms Physical
Environmental anxiety can manifest itself through a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach upset, muscle tension, fatigue, or difficulty falling asleep. These symptoms may be the result of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is in a state of constant alert to perceived threats related to the environment.
Emotional symptoms
From the Emotionally, environmental anxiety can trigger feelings of fear, sadness, irritability, frustration, and helplessness. People who suffer from environmental anxiety may experience changes in their mood, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, as well as episodes of emotional hypersensitivity.
How to deal with environmental anxiety?
Be informed in a balanced way
It is important to stay informed about environmental problems, but it is equally important to do so in a balanced and critical way. Consuming information from reliable sources and contrasting different perspectives can help reduce the feeling of hopelessness and lack of control that often accompanies environmental anxiety.
Taking action on a personal level
One way effective way to address environmental anxiety is to take concrete actions on a personal level to contribute to the protection of the environment. Reducing plastic consumption, recycling, saving energy or supporting local conservation initiatives are some of the ways in which each individual can make a difference and feel part of the solution.
Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques
Managing stress and anxiety is essential to maintain emotional balance. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, conscious breathing, or yoga, can help reduce anxiety levels and promote a feeling of well-being. Mindfulness, or full attention, can also be an effective tool to stay in the present and avoid constant rumination about possible future catastrophic scenarios.
Seek professional support
If environmental anxiety becomes overwhelming and significantly affects a person's quality of life, it is advisable to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist specialized in anxiety can provide specific strategies and tools to deal with this type of anxiety, as well as work on managing emotions and developing a more positive and constructive approach towards the environment.
Conclusions
In summary, environmental anxiety is an increasingly common emotional response in a context of growing awareness about the environmental challenges we face as a society. Learning to recognize the symptoms of environmental anxiety, identify its causes and adopt effective strategies to deal with it are fundamental steps to take care of our mental health and well-being in a world that is constantly changing.