By 
Climate change poses mental health risks to children and teens.
Eco-anxiety is suffering related to environmental uncertainty. Climate change is part of growing up for many children across the globe. Some are still in denial that there’s such thing as eco-anxiety, but no one can deny the increase in wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
According to the Harvard Public Opinion Project, 46 percent of those 18 to 24 years old said climate change is “a crisis and requires urgent action.” The numbers are increasing daily, but it’s not just young adults who are experiencing eco-anxiety. Children as young as six are showing symptoms, and there’s a real need to talk to them and explain what’s going on. Since these children are growing up under these conditions, it’s safe to say that this is a new normal, and it’s not going anywhere. The problem is genuine, and it’s happening now. So what do you tell your child? Even if you stay numb, kids talk, not to mention that they listen to what adults tell each other. So, yes, they are aware that something terrible is going on, and the desperation in your voice, on your face, just gives them more reasons to be worried.
The good thing about children is that they are adaptable. Even if disaster strikes, they will follow your lead, so it’s up to you to make them feel safe and secure. Like other anxieties in kids, eco-anxiety should be discussed with a therapist. Even then, you have to be optimistic, not the silent one, to create an environment of healthy discussion. It would help if you gave your child some input, but you don’t have to go into details because none of us knows how things will unravel in the upcoming years.
What about the adults? Thinking about specific, frightening topics only makes things worse. Facing it, by embracing changes and developing new, healthy habits, does the opposite. There are no quarantines, but you can help by not using shopping as therapy, washing dishes and laundry in cold water, planting trees, and educating yourself as well as others.
By increasing eco-anxiety, you aren’t solving anything. The only thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to be cautious, yet hopeful about the possibilities for tomorrow. Talking and creating a sense of awareness among your friends and family, without going into arguments, is beneficial. Even more, talking to the victims of global warming can help you deal with the worst-case scenarios. It’s cheesy, but having faith in people around you, while doing your part, can do wonders, both for you and the only planet we have.