SPANISH VERSION

1. It is time for action. The best answer to ecoanxiety.

Active implication facing the climatic and environmental crisis is beneficial socially, ecologically and psychologically. Participating in the collective action is the best way to deal with the ecoanxiety.

2. Get properly informed: neither denial nor alarmism

Avoiding information that causes ecoanxiety may seem logical, but ignoring the reality is a mistake. Instead of just consuming pessimistic news, search for true and inspiring information, with examples of efficient actions and responses.

3. Neither anxiety, nor depression, nor hopelessness. Accept the reality

Our emotions depend on our perception of what happens to us. Facing the climatic and environmental crisis in a rational way allows to distinguish what we can change and what we cannot and, to prioritize our energy.

4. Cultivate illusion for change instead of rejection

Adopting more sustainable practices doesn’t mean a life of privations and sacrifice. On the contrary it involves prioritizing the quality of life over the material waste. It will be a change for the better at a personal and social level.

5. Live the present while preparing a better world

Anxiety means the fear of the future, which is anticipated as negative. It’s a useless concern that makes those enduring it suffer. Nobody knows what will happen, but we can actually use the present to work for a better future and to prepare ourselves for it.

Ecosocial recommendations

6. Reconnect with Nature

Being in natural environments is beneficial for physical and mental health, reducing anxiety and stress. Besides, it promotes respect, bonds with the Nature, and generates a feeling of belonging and connexion with the environment which we are part of.

7. Don’t isolate yourself: talk and share

Breaking individualism and creating community is vital, since it stablishes ties between people, promotes good relationships and mutual support. Many more people than you may think share your feelings.

8. Assume your role and give less relevance to your responsibility

Don’t bear the responsibility to save the world individually. Accept your capacity to change, but your limitations too. Learn to give less relevance to your role and to ask for more actions to those who hold more responsibility.

9. Get involved in building the new model

Instead of being obsessed by the individual perfection, focus your energy on more relevant changes. For instance, join groups or movements who search for a different consume model. Social economy is an example of that.

10. Promote the Care Culture

Cultivating a supportive community and promoting a mutual care culture can help to reduce the negative impacts of ecoanxiety by providing emotional support and resources to face the environmental changes as a whole.