Anxiety’s Got a New Name

I suffer from anxiety about the future—too many things are going awry all at the same time.

My hope withers as the oaks and madrone trees drop near my home of 40 years. The forest is drying, and with it comes fire danger. I have such angst it makes me want to leave this place I’ve grown up in. It is heartbreaking.

Know as “ecological anxiety” or “climate grief”, it’s a condition so common now that therapists have a new word to describe it:

 “Solastalgia.” The trauma of losing one’s home while staying in the same place.

Better add it to your spell-check dictionary. It’s going to be around for a while.

UN’s Climate Report warns that we aren’t doing enough to curb emissions like we said we would. All countries need to be cutting and removing emissions faster and at wider scopes in all areas of the economy.

If we don’t start acting like one species sharing one planet, we’ll suffer more severe climate events. With devastating loss, damage, displacement, and hunger.

It’s time to think about what we can do to overcome anxiety by channeling it into positive and productive actions. Because as challenging as that may seem, the world needs balanced and grounded individuals to lead the way.

How does one overcome existential angst while the planet toasts?

Stay Active and Productive

First of all, you should try to do the things that help you to maintain your general health. That means eating well and getting as much physical activity as possible into your day.

Walk, run, dance, or pump weights, do Kung Fu…move your body often. Fill your body with fresh organic food. Drink more water.  

“Turn things you’ve always wanted to do, into things you’ve done” T. S. Eliot

Make a list of the things you want to do in your life and create a plan for how you’ll get there. Envisioning your positive future is a good practice that works to create something new in your life.

Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret ANYTHING That makes you smile.  Mark Twain

Breathe Deeply

Breathing fully into your body is an age-old trick to cultivating calm and peace of mind. 

When you’re able to practice deep breathing and experience the benefits that come with it, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. It’s one of those things that helps with your mental clarity and creates a sense of calm.

Meditate – Cultivate a Quiet Mind

Meditation and mindfulness are two things that combine very well and help you achieve the peace and calm you’re looking for.

If you’ve never tried it might seem strange at first, but you’ll soon realize why so many people rely on it. Mindfulness helps you let go of what’s beyond your control and focus on the here and now.

CBD & THC Offer Joint Benefits

Daily life is daunting so if you’re searching for ways to cope and relax trying CBD and or THC may lead you to higher ground.

The American Psychological Association’s 2022 Annual Stress Survey revealed that 80% of Americans suffer from significant stress, so It’s no wonder CBD and THC are flaming hot products.

However, not all products are of the same caliber.

There are different products of all kinds of strengths, so there’s something for everybody. You might want to try Delta 8 Gummies if you’re looking for a way to relax and take things easy when your anxiety is getting too much.

I also like Charlotte’s Web products to relax with full-spectrum CBD, organic hemp extract, and other synergistic ingredients.

CBD works by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for bringing balance to the body and regulating systems like the brain, the gut, and more.

Find Resources for Help

I looked for therapists and physiatrists and psychologists to little avail. Other than throwing a few prescriptions into writing, many offered no emotional or spiritual intervention; what a mental health disaster we have. 

The demand for therapeutic mental health resources for climate grief is rising, and counselors are struggling to keep pace.  

If you can’t find a therapist, talk to your friends., family or partner.  They probably share the same concerns and may be wiser than you know. They understand you and they offer the richest fodder your soul needs to dig into.

Cultivate Change

There are a lot of people who don’t have the luxury to worry about losing their homes because they already have.  

We are in the midst of a planetary crisis. We are witnessing climate change, toxins, and biodiversity loss, while the prices of energy and food, skyrocket.  All are exacerbated by the war against Ukraine. There is immense human suffering and also actions we can take.

I’m creating personal hope by making calls to get voters out in the Midterm elections.  THIS IS THE most critical Climate election we have ever had.

You can rise above your anxiety if you take care of yourself and channel your anxiety to cultivate change.

VOTE! Help Others Vote.

Hey friends, thanks for reading. I included links within this post. Sometimes I make a little money for these referrals, and the FTC wants you to know that. If you know me personally or have been a longtime reader, I hope you also know that I only recommend companies that I believe in. Live well, friends.