Have you heard of “eco-anxiety” or “climate anxiety”? With seemingly unavoidable headlines about climate change and frequent emergencies such as wildfire, flood and drought, it makes sense to feel nervous or anxious about what lies ahead. Our health is connected to the health of the planet. We have worries for ourselves and our neighbourhoods, as well as for the future and it’s generations.
3 tips for staying action-oriented
You can take action to address the climate crisis while also taking care of yourself. Here are three strategies to help stay action-oriented while working through the feelings and emotions of eco-anxiety:
- Connect with others who share your concerns. Build a sense of community and purpose. You can work together to discuss concerns, develop an action plan and be heard.
- Get outside and enjoy your neighbourhood and nature. Listen to the birds, feel the breeze against your skin. Breathe. Take the time to reconnect with what you’re protecting.
- Find credible sources of information. Stay connected to your First Nation, community or local government so you know you’ll receive reliable local information during an emergency. Visit EmergencyInfoBC for official information during emergencies in B.C.
3 ways to get prepared today
Emergency preparedness is for everyone. Taking the time to prepare ahead of a climate emergency, such as a wildfire or flood, can help address fears you and your loved ones may have.
Set aside an hour or so and follow these three tips to get started on your emergency preparedness journey. Being prepared will help you stay calm and focused during an emergency:
- Know your hazards. Identify which hazards you need to prepare for.
- Make an emergency plan. Use the online emergency ready planner or the PreparedBC fill-in-the blanks home emergency plan. Spend time with the people you live with to complete it together.
- Gather your supplies. Start by taking 10-minutes after work or school to check the supply list and gather the items you already have in your home in to one place. Start with food and water and go from there. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can get your kit together!
Everyone handles climate anxiety differently, but we are all in this together. Reach out to friends, family and neighbours to stay connected and support each other.
There are resources available for British Columbians who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges. Please reach out for support. A conversation with a health or mental health professional and virtual resources can make a big difference.
Learn more about emergency preparedness with PreparedBC.