Liberalism is a mental disease, Chapter XXIII

but treatment is available

Therapists Are Treating More Mainers For “Climate Anxiety”

The impacts of climate change, as humans have experienced so far, can be terrifying — warming waters, multiplying wildfires, intensifying hurricanes and, in general, the transformation of the world as we once knew it.

So terrifying that for some, these fears can become overwhelming. 

In a state where most people have some connection to the natural world, Maine therapists are seeing more clients reporting experiencing “climate anxiety,” a sense of foreboding about the future related to climate change. 

…. Kathrine Butler Hepler, owner of Roots and Rise Psychotherapy in Bangor, said that she has observed climate anxiety especially in younger patients, the under-30 crowd.

“I think that it’s something for young people they’re more aware of it, they’ve grown up with this narrative, they’re seeing the more extreme weather and it can feel really frightening and vulnerable to them,” Helper said. “It’s that disempowerment along with the consistent flow of information that may predispose a young person to have this specific anxiety.”

Will Hafford, a clinical psychologist with practices in Hampden and Belfast, said that he has observed climate anxiety in his patients manifesting in different emotions, including grief, loss and anger. …

Hafford facilitates the Bangor Area Psychological Society, a monthly gathering of doctoral level colleagues, and has informally surveyed participants about the topic of climate anxiety. He said around 63 percent report working with clients around ecological grief, anxiety or stress in their practice on a weekly or monthly basis. 

At the same time, Hafford said that 77 percent of the Bangor Area Psychology Society reported personally grappling with their own climate anxiety. 

“Like the pandemic, we are helping others at the same time that we are working through this ourselves,” Hafford said. ….

It’s also important to learn how to detach from the issues of climate change to a certain extent. 

“It doesn’t mean to not be involved,” Bean said. “Detaching means that you’re not going to burn out.”

And here’s the best advice for our troubled friends:

“If it is getting in the way of being able to live your life and function and have a meaningful experience or existence, medication is always an option,” Helper said.