Climate Anxiety

The Climate Anxiety and Pastoral Care Task group are a group of environmental experts, mental health practitioners, and clergy.

The group was created out of acknowledgement that most Australians are concerned about climate change, but are confused and overwhelmed – they don’t know how Australia should respond or what they personally can do. The anxeity can impact mental health, and cause increased conflict within couples, families and congregations. 

Social research shows that we make sense of confusing information and decide what to do about it through conversations with people we know and trust.

The group has prepared a Climate conversation guide, and is running online circles and available for train the trainer sessions with interested chruches or individuals.

Climate Conversations Guide

Helpful ways to manage climate anxiety

The first thing to know is that this can be a normal and completely rational response to the situation we are facing – and you are not alone.

3 things can help you start to address these feelings:

– talking about it

– taking action

– working together

However if these feelings are impacting your life adversely, you may need to seek help. Email us for a list of counsellors and pastoral carers experienced in talking about the climate, you can talk to.

For helpful advice, visit:

https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-about-climate-change

https://www.psychologyforasafeclimate.org/

https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Climate-change-psychology/Coping-with-climate-change-distress

https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Climate-change-psychology

https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Disasters/Bushfires/Recovering-from-bushfires

Climate Change Empowerment Handbook:

https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Climate-change-psychology/Climate-change

For how the Uniting Church and the NSW Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network are helping people through the 2020 bushfires, read more here.

Visit this page for some books to read on climate psychology and mental health, most of which are available to all Uniting Church members through Camden Theological Library, North Parramatta.