Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg recently revealed that she experienced severe depression at the age of 11 due to concerns about climate change, causing her to stop talking and eating, resulting in a significant weight loss within a short period.
In Canada, a mother from Salmon Arm, B.C., shared her overwhelming anxiety about the future climate her children will face. Similarly, a student in Calgary expressed how she struggled with food choices to alleviate her anxiety surrounding the planet’s condition, sometimes leading to drastic dietary changes.
A new study, published in Nature Mental Health, surveyed over 2,400 Canadians aged 13 and older, indicating that nearly a million individuals in Canada are significantly affected by climate anxiety, impacting their sleep and daily functioning. The study identified that a majority of respondents expressed concerns about climate change, with a substantial percentage experiencing anxiety related to it, which researchers consider a normal response given the current climate crisis.
The research, led by University of Alberta public health professor Sherilee Harper, highlighted that over 980,000 Canadians are grappling with climate change anxiety to a degree that interferes with their daily lives. The study noted that the rate of clinically relevant climate anxiety is slightly lower than the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in the country, emphasizing the need for targeted support for those affected.
Harper emphasized the importance of providing adequate support for individuals experiencing climate anxiety, irrespective of whether they directly face climate-related events. The study revealed a higher prevalence of climate anxiety among younger generations, Indigenous communities, women, individuals with lower incomes, and those residing in Northern Canada.
Notably, climate anxiety was found to decrease with age, with Generation Y and Z exhibiting the highest levels of concern. Indigenous communities and individuals in regions with visible climate impacts showed heightened anxiety levels, reflecting the significant influence of environmental changes on mental well-being.
Experts underscore the necessity of addressing climate anxiety openly and providing accessible support systems to help individuals cope with these emotional challenges. The study’s findings shed light on the urgent need to acknowledge and address the psychological impacts of climate change on individuals across Canada.
This study raises awareness about the widespread effects of climate anxiety and the importance of fostering discussions and initiatives to support individuals grappling with these concerns.