Human life has an inseparable connection with nature and the environment. For this reason, while nature and human exist in each other, they constantly affect each other. For this reason, a change in one transforms the other directly or indirectly. As a result of this change and transformation, eco-anxiety occurs in some people .

What is Eco-Anxiety (Environmental Anxiety)?

There are many different definitions of eco-anxiety. But in its simplest terms, environmental anxiety is an ongoing fear of environmental doom. In this sense, the individual is in a constant state of concern about the course of the world in connection with the environment he is in and the ecological disasters experienced.

Eco-Anxiety Symptoms

Eco-anxiety are as follows:

• Frustration and anger at global leaders not doing more for the environment
• Feeling helpless about the climate crisis
• Obsessive thoughts about the world and the environment
• Having difficulty focusing
• Pervasive feeling of fear or anxiety about environmental issues
• Insomnia and fatigue

Is Environmental Anxiety a Disease?

Eco-anxiety is not considered a "disorder" or a disease. Because this anxiety is a natural and understandable result of being directly or indirectly affected by the change of the world in which a person lives. However, people with eco-anxiety can engage in some avoidance behaviors in their daily lives. In addition, with the increase in the intensity and severity of anxiety, this situation can lead to other psychological problems over time.

Who Gets Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety can be seen in every individual with environmental sensitivity. However, some individuals are more prone to environmental anxiety. These people are as follows:

• Young children, adolescents and older adults
• Displaced people
• With anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder
• Workers in the field during environmental disasters
• Low income groups
• People living in arid regions

Environmental Anxiety in Children and Adolescents

As a result of the studies, it has been observed that echo anxiety is more common especially in children and young adults. The climate crisis and the negative consequences that may occur as a result will affect this segment the most. For this reason, this age group is in a state of intense concern for their own future.

How to Cope with Eco-Anxiety

It is possible to observe eco-anxiety more frequently, especially in situations that pose a direct threat to nature and human existence, such as climate crisis. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to deal with environmental anxiety. In this way, it is possible to prevent other psychological disorders that may develop.

To cope with eco-anxiety, you can consider the following recommendations:

• You should take care to ensure that the sources of information about the climate crisis and environmental disasters are reliable. Therefore, you should avoid misinformation as much as possible.
• You should not follow accounts that share environmental disaster scenarios on social media.
• One should be aware of the thoughts and feelings that arise about environmental disasters. You should also make room for these feelings and thoughts.
• You should connect with people who have similar feelings about the climate crisis, share their thoughts and feelings, and get social support.
• Action should be taken according to the emerging concern. You must take individual steps, albeit small, to prevent the climate crisis.

Eco-anxiety is a human condition, with the emotions it contains and the concern for the future it carries. It is not a pathology. Man exists as long as the world he lives in exists. For this reason, it is understandable that in the event of any possible destruction or destruction of the world, this will have physical and psychological consequences on people. At this point, you should search for ways to balance the state of anxiety that makes a difference, open up space for emerging emotions, not hesitate to get social and psychological support, and first of all, you should be aware of the steps you can take for the world as an individual. In this way, you can cope with environmental anxiety more easily.