Climate Anxiety Grips Mexico’s Young Population

A growing number of therapists are observing a surge in individuals experiencing climate anxiety, a distinct and intricate distress triggered by escalating climate change threats. Traditional anxiety treatment methods may not always suffice, leading therapists to adapt their approaches. Proactive measures, collective action and policy considerations are recognized as essential for effectively addressing the unique emotional challenges posed by climate change.

Caroline Hickman, Therapist, University of Bath, conducted a study revealing that 59% of 10,000 children and young people from 10 countries express extreme concern about climate change, causing heightened anxiety. “A rational response to a genuine threat,” according to Patrick Kennedy-Williams, Clinical Psychologist,  British Psychological Society, who emphasizes that climate anxiety is not a disorder. Individuals may feel overwhelmed by concerns related to extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, leading to feelings of guilt, helplessness, and a persistent focus on the state of the planet at both personal and collective levels.

Climate anxiety presents a distinctive challenge for therapists; given its lack of "classic case", which complicates both diagnosis and treatment. Individuals grappling with climate anxiety often express their concerns using language typically used to describe scenarios of trauma, grief, or depression, setting it apart traditional mental health issues. This unique manifestation of anxiety becomes further entwined with major life decisions, such as the choice to have children or determining a place to live, intensifying the emotional burden on individuals.

The findings of a recent study in Mexico underscore a notable trend of apprehension regarding climate change and its future implications. A substantial 50% of respondents expressed deep concerns, linking their heightened anxiety to the prevalence of extreme weather events in the country, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and erratic rainfall. This growing unease aligns with the documented increase in rates of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among the population, particularly Mexico's vulnerable young demographic, constituting over a quarter of the population (31 million people) aged between 15–29 years. 

As they brace to assume the brunt of climate-related exposures, it becomes evident that they are facing compounded challenges, furher exacerbated by existing inequalities rooted in poverty, gender, and ethnicity. The disruptive aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic adds to the complexities of the mental health landscape, shedding light on significant gaps in mental health service provision nationwide, with a glaring omission of adolescents from the priority considerations of federal and state policymakers. This emphasizes a critical need for comprehensive strategies to address the mental health implications of both climate change.

Experts recommend internal and external coping strategies for addressing climate anxiety. These strategies involve calming the nervous system, adopting mindful breaks, and taking meaningful actions like joining community groups or contributing to relevant causes. This includes Sarah Ray, Environmental Studies Professor, University of Oregon, who asserts that addressing climate anxiety collectively is crucial. Being part of a group where individuals share similar concerns not only helps reduce anxiety but also serves as a motivator for meaningful action. Furthermore, she highlights the historical significance of groups in climate-related movements, underscoring their essential role in fostering a sense of community and driving positive change.

Therapists echo the importance of collective action, emphasizing that it fosters a crucial sense of control and autonomy. Whether individuals choose to run for public office or engage in activism, such collective efforts are seen as key in alleviating the anxiety stemming from this global crisis.