Oct 19, 20233 min read

A Guide for Grounding Through Climate and Global Anxiety

Updated: Mar 6

By: Jess Laurino, LCSW

As humans and mental health practitioners, we understand that world events can significantly impact our mental health. Global and climate events can illicit feelings of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, lack of safety, guilt, burnout, fatigue grief, and loss of control. You may worry for our earth, the safety of strangers, loved ones, animals, or yourself. News outlets and social media can flood our consciousness with images, videos, and articles exposing climate-related disasters, and global crises. The exposure to climate and global events can feel invasive, trigger vicarious experiences, and even resurface personal traumatic events. When we have these big emotions and responses, it is important to develop safety practices that ground us back into ourselves.

We wanted you to know that whatever you feel, is valid and you are not alone. So, let’s talk about ways to cope, ground, and keep ourselves safe.

1. Focus on what you can control.

Global and climate issues are complex and large-scale. It is important to remind ourselves that no one person is responsible for such events, nor are they able to solve any of the problems on their own. We each play a small part in a larger puzzle, so find ways that you can address these larger issues in your day-to-day life. Being mindful of our own lives, and what we can control and alleviate feelings of helplessness. Remember that these things may look different for everyone!

Making different food choices
Reducing energy consumption
Joining local environmental groups
Shop second hand
Join relevant events or debates
Explore ways to be engaged in a political community
Take part in peaceful organized rallies
Empower your voice
Supporting small business
Growing your own food
Cite 3 things you are grateful for each day
Picking up litter on a walk
Get creative to express yourself
Donating to local/global organizations
Read/educate yourself
Be selective about where you get your information

2. Stay Informed but avoid overload.

Ask yourself how much information am I consuming? And how does it make me feel? It is important to try and find the balance between staying informed and maintaining your mental health.

Take short breaks from the news/social media
Create a timer for how long you consume information
Practicing pausing and checking in with your body while you are taking in information
Avoid doom scrolling!
Set boundaries with others who may want to talk about issues that could feel distressing for you
Mute or turn off news/social media notifications on your smartphone (this will give you autonomy and decision in when and how you intake information)
Create a sleep routine where you distance yourself from your phone AT LEAST 30 minutes before bed.

3. Engage with your community.

Try to remember that if you are experiencing feelings of fear, isolation, uncertainty, etc., there are likely others out there feeling the same exact way! Finding a supportive community of people who understand how you feel and what you’re passionate about can help you feel less isolated and more encouraged.

Get involved in local volunteering opportunities
Join local grassroots campaigns or community groups working on issues that are important to you
Learn more about the local politics in your area, and how you can get involved
Join a local meet-up group through Facebook or meetups to connect with people in your area
Go outside in nature
Attend support groups, gatherings, and workshops hosted by local counseling practices
Attend virtual groups to expand into larger communities
Not finding a group that feels good for you? Create your own and invite others!

4. Maintain your routine and healthy habits.

Try to allocate time for activities, hobbies, interests, and routines that are good for your mental health.

Take walks
Create art!
Listen to music
Develop breathing techniques
Journal
Talk with friends/family
Have a steady sleep schedule
Exercise
Develop a skincare routine
Stick to eating food that help your body feel nourished
Read
Garden
Go to a rage room
Dance
Cook
Meditate
Go to therapy
Attend support groups
Maintain a work/life balance!

Most importantly, TALK ABOUT IT! Don’t bottle up how you are feeling. If you are attending therapy, utilize that safe space to process how you are feeling. If you don’t have access to therapy, find local support groups, and events where you can share how you feel, talk to safe friends and family, or contact local hotlines. Nizhoni Counseling is dedicated to offering services for our community members through holistic mental health treatment, and community workshops, events, and support groups. We are here for you, don’t hesitate to reach out and build a connection today.