Research shows more than three quarters of Australians are worried about climate change. Climate anxiety is a term for feelings of worry, stress or sadness about climate change and its impacts. Experts stress that climate anxiety – sometimes called eco-anxiety or climate distress – is not a mental health condition, but a rational response to the reality we’re all facing. 

This guide provides five tools for managing climate anxiety. They are designed to help channel climate anxiety into action, find emotional balance and maintain a sense of purpose. There is an additional section on helping kids with climate anxiety.

Tools for managing climate anxiety

1. Take meaningful action
2. Focus on solutions
3. Take a break
4. Look after your body and mind
5. Talk it out.