Ecoanxiety: What is it and how can we treat it?

We spoke to Anxiety UK to get some tips on how to deal with ecoanxiety

Issy Muir

Ecoanxiety is a new term that's popping up more and more regularly in wellness reports, pop culture articles and day-to-day conversations. Put simply, it's anxiety caused by an increasing concern for our planet and environment.

We are in the midst of a cultural shift which has opened our eyes to single-use plastics, the over-consumption of meat and extreme weather conditions caused by global warming. The headlines are overwhelming and can sometimes leave us feeling rather helpless.

It's anxiety caused by an increasing concern for our planet and environment.


Although it is certainly a very good thing that, as a society, we are increasingly aware of how our actions affect the planet, for some, the pressure to live a more eco-friendly life and the fear of what will happen if we don't can become overwhelming.

We spoke to Anxiety UK to get some tips on how to deal with ecoanxiety.

What is ecoanxiety?

"It is essentially anxiety that is focused on the potential damage we are having on our planet as a result of not being ecologically friendly and the potential consequences of this," Anxiety UK's Nicky Lidbetter explains to Country Living.

What are the main signs and symptoms of ecoanxiety?

"Signs of ecoanxiety can be very similar to symptoms of other anxiety conditions, including excessive worrying, a racing heartbeat, trouble sleeping and overthinking/catastrophising," Nicky describes.

It is also important to remember that anxiety can cause a number of physical symptoms like tingling limbs, a change in temperature and chest pains. Read our full list of the physical symptoms caused by anxiety.

Who is likely to suffer from ecoanxiety?

Nicky explains that ecoanxiety is not likely to occur as a mental health condition by itself – it is more likely to be an extension of an existing anxiety or panic disorder.

"Ecoanxiety is unlikely to be present at a level whereby it constitutes a distinct and separate anxiety condition," says Nicky. "And instead is more likely to be part of another anxiety condition, typically that of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)."

How can you treat ecoanxiety?

Nicky is keen to point out that "treating any form of anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and unfortunately, eco-anxiety is no different in this regard." But there are treatments to consider...

"A type of talking therapy treatment called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT, is particularly helpful and is available alongside counselling and clinical hypnotherapy through Anxiety UK," recommends Nicky.

"CBT can be helpful as an approach as it allows us to look at negative thought patterns with a view to challenging and replacing them with more healthy and logical thoughts and beliefs. This can be beneficial for someone experiencing ecoanxiety, as there may be an element of catastrophic thinking evident and which responds very well to CBT."

Should we change our lifestyles to be more eco-friendly?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that anxiety surrounding the environment should be treated as a separate mental health issue, as mentioned above. This is because, although planetary issues can definitely spark a natural level of worry, a more intense anxiety needs to be managed regardless of its trigger.

That being said, it is of course a good idea to try and lead a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle, as long as we understand three things:

  1. We can only change what's within our capability, in terms of money, location, job, family demands etc.
  2. It's not easy to change habits and routines and we should not beat ourselves up about it or feel guilty. That fact that we want to make a change is worth celebrating in itself.
  3. Small changes are just as important as grand statements.

    For advice on how to be more eco-conscious, read our tips.

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