“Oh well, the world could end tomorrow…” For some, the prospect of 'environmental doom' is an excuse to pop open another bottle on a school night. But for others, it causes a downward spiral of stress with debilitating depression, anxiety and a feeling of dread affecting every area of their lives.
Emma Oldham, 33, from Newark, began experiencing it for herself in her teen years. “It started when I heard about the hole in the ozone layer,” she says. “The worry triggered severe anxiety and depression, and while my friends were stressed about boyfriends and make-up, I was so overwhelmed about ecological issues I’d cry in bed for days, refusing to eat or wash. It took over my life. My school work meant nothing to me.
Leadership coach and climate psychologist Linda Aspey says that engaging with eco issues, rather than trying to block out our worries, could be the key to finding peace of mind. “After a long fight, we won,” she says. “Those beautiful trees I’d sat under feeding my babies are still here thanks to our work. Feeling like I can make even the smallest difference has definitely helped keep my anxiety in check.”
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