A TREND TO WATCH
By now, anyone who has been paying attention would know of the physical impact of climate change. In recent years, however, the psychological effects are becoming increasingly apparent.
The American Psychiatric Association describes eco-anxiety as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” While it not considered a diagnosable condition, eco-anxiety can be just as debilitating, with crippling effects on one’s lifestyle and mental health.
Individuals with eco-anxiety may experience feelings of vulnerability, helplessness and emotional distraught over potential planetary destruction. This may be to the point where everyday choices can leave them feeling anxious and guilty.
Eco-anxiety, also known as climate anxiety, is influencing the career choices of youths, and their decision to have children in the future. This is led by concerns over the state of the environment decades down the road.
As solving environmental issues relies on societal change, including government input and corporations taking responsibility for their contributions to climate change, dealing with feelings of little control as individuals can be all the more frustrating.
Among other things, eco-anxiety can be attributed to the constant and overwhelming media coverage of environmental destruction. One way to manage eco-anxiety is to be mindful of one’s consumption of news and social media, as well as finding action-oriented community groups for support and ways to take collective action.
Food for Thought:
The rise of eco-anxiety among Singapore’s youth may lead to significant changes in birth rate, economic growth and future plans for development, such as potentially more people remaining single or having smaller families, and reduced spending and consumption. How might this affect Singapore’s policies?