Applying Emotional Regulation Strategies to Manage Climate Distress

Abstract

Ecological distress significantly impacts mental health, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As climate change intensifies, addressing these psychological impacts becomes increasingly urgent. Despite recognizing ecological distress as a critical issue, there is limited evidence of evidence-based, scalable interventions to mitigate its effects. This lack is especially concerning for children and youth, older adults or marginalized groups who are more vulnerable to climate change impacts due to health conditions and social isolation. This chapter reviews the mental health repercussions of climate change, defining and highlighting the prevalence of climate anxiety, followed by a description of impacts on various individuals, families and community groups as well as the generational or lifespan perspectives involved. Coping mechanisms and adaptive responses to the climate crisis, particularly the role of emotional regulation is reviewed. Various interventions are discussed aligning with treating climate distress and the role of a climate-aware therapist is highlighted. Climate Cafés, as a unique and safe space for expressing climate-related emotions is also described.