Environmental Anxiety

I needed to put this topic in the first booklet and I intend to come back to it it as the series evolves.  

The articles linked below talk about the increase in levels of eco-anxiety among children, signs of eco-distress and some strategies to support children and young people.  

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/20/half-of-child-psychiatrists-surveyed-say-patients-have-environment-anxiety?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/10/overwhelming-and-terrifying-impact-of-climate-crisis-on-mental-health?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Some key points:

• signs; a low mood, helplessness, anger, insomnia, panic, guilt
• Acknowledge that their concerns make sence, a sign of empathy, that they are a caring person
• Spend time in nature as a family
• Positive actions, as an individual or collectivly
• Are you really listening to your childs concerns?  Make time to listen

We are always looking for the quick way to make our children feel better, but on this subject it is important not to bat away concerns, can we learn together and look for positive environmental actions or stories as well as the big picture.

Can we turn a feelings of hopelessness and vexation into empowerment and possibility?