contactus@climateresiliencenetwork.org
Menu

Need Some Help?

  • Need Some Help?

Need Some Help?

Get advice, support and connection

You are not alone

If worry about climate and ecological disruption is affecting you, we hear you.

These are challenging times, and these feelings are a rational response to a situation which is difficult and painful. In this section you will find some of our key tips to help.

We also highly recommend the following resources developed by the Australian Psychological Society and Psychology for a Safe Climate:

Climate Change Empowerment Handbook

Coping with Climate Change Distress

 

 

Looking after our Mental Health in Response to Climate Change

This short video with Dr Anna Seth covers some basic aspects of looking after our mental health in response to climate change. It was recorded as part of a project undertaken by Chloe McCann and other Tasmanian students involved in the School Strike for Climate Action in September 2020, when it was shown in classrooms around the state.

Edited by Luca Schild.

Here are some things to bear in mind

Find Support:

Please talk to someone you trust and connect to others who share your concerns. You don’t have to go it alone. Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, overwhelm, grief, anger, sadness, anxiety, dread… all can be there at times and are a very normal and human response to our current situation. Seek professional help if these feelings are affecting your wellbeing. Your regular GP or other existing mental health provider is generally the best place, but you can also find climate aware mental health practitioners in our directory here.

Connect with others:

You are not alone, the majority of Australians share your concerns, even if it sometimes may not feel that way. Humankind has risen to many challenges in the past through collective effort and many people around the world have made it their life’s work to create a better future. Learn about some of them here, here and here. Connecting to others within your local area, profession, or areas of expertise can make all the difference. Find local groups here.

Do what you can:

It can feel overwhelming and hard to know where to start, but taking action, no matter how small, is meaningful. Wishing things were different is not enough, and action is a powerful antidote to despair. There are many ways you can act for earth, all are valid and needed. Find what speaks to you most, and do that. It may be using skills you already have, or learning new ones. We all have strengths to bring and a part to play. See here for details of actions you can take. Learn about Active Hope here.

Make time for self care:

It’s OK to take a step back sometimes. Being awake to climate and environmental disruption can be a heavy load to bear, and burnout is a significant risk for environmental activists. Consider sustainability as it applies to yourself. Humans need seasons of rest and rejuvenation just as other parts of nature do.

  • –     Switch off social media/news and email for a while
  • –     Connect with friends and activities unrelated to climate action
  • –     Get outside, spend time in nature
  • –     Get some sleep, eat well and move your body
  • –     Practice mindfulness and self compassion
  • –     Tap into your creativity

Get personal with nature:

Remember that looking after your own wellbeing is not separate to caring for the planet. You are part of this world you seek to protect and attending to your mental health is vital. Spending time in nature is good medicine for the soul and helps us to see and feel how we are connected to the broader web of life. You can explore some resources about nature connection here.

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm, please contact emergency services on 000.

If you, or someone you know is in need of urgent help please contact your GP or reach out to these services:

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

Tasmanian Mental Health Service Helpline – 1800 332 388