Climate Anxiety Is a Real Thing – What Can You Do About It? Tips from a Houston anxiety therapist.

Have you ever wondered if you should move to a city that is less affected by climate change?

The world feels increasingly unpredictable. Between heat waves in parts of the world that are often cool, natural disasters even in places that didn’t use to get them, and frightening warnings from scientists, it’s no wonder many people feel a heavy sense of worry about the planet’s future. Trust me, I get it.

Houston is no stranger to the devastating effects of climate change. In the past decade, it seems the storms only seem to be getting larger, more unpredictable, and weirder. I am probably not the only one whose social media feed seems to include more and more articles about climate refugees and cities that are less likely to be affected by climate change. I know I am not the only Houstonian who has had a serious conversation about the long-term viability of living in our city if climate change gets worse, or wondered what cities might be safer. And I am not the only one rocked when we see images of peoples home destroyed, or children who didn’t make it after deadly flash floods swept through.  It’s a LOT to think about.

Are you worried about recent storms and wonder what could be next?

If you’ve felt a persistent sense of dread about climate change, you’re not alone. Climate anxiety, sometimes called eco-anxiety, is a growing mental health concern that reflects real fears about our environment.

But what can you do about it? While it may feel overwhelming, there are steps you can take to manage your anxiety and find hope amidst uncertainty.

Image of a hand holding a globe, symbolizing the concept of climate anxiety and its connection to environmental concerns. Wilson Counseling helps address this growing mental health challenge.

What Is Climate Anxiety?

Climate anxiety refers to feelings of worry, fear, or hopelessness about the future of the planet due to climate change. It often stems from seeing headlines about worsening environmental conditions, experiencing extreme weather events firsthand, or feeling powerless to make a difference. The recent storms in Texas were a gut punch and heartbreaking. But they are just one example of storms around the world that can get people ruminating about what is next.

For some, climate anxiety manifests as a low-level worry that lingers in the background. For others, it may lead to physical symptoms like trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, or even panic attacks. Recognizing these signs can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and take action to address it.

Image of a man holding his head in frustration, illustrating the increasing prevalence of climate anxiety due to global environmental changes. Wilson Counseling in Texas offers support for these concerns

Why Is Climate Anxiety on the Rise?

  1. Increased Awareness:

    With 24/7 news cycles and social media, we’re exposed to a constant stream of updates about environmental crises. This information overload can heighten feelings of helplessness. Staying informed matters, but doomscrolling does not equal activism. Choose one or two reliable sources, and give yourself permission to unplug when you feel overwhelmed.

  2. Personal Impact:

    Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods, directly impact millions of people each year. Experiencing these events or seeing them happen to loved ones can amplify anxiety. If you have not been affected by climate change in your town, it is likely only a matter of time. When Hurricane Harvey hit houston in August of 2017, it stopped us in our tracks. The city looked like a war zone for a while and recovery was slow. Once you have been through something like this yourself, you realize it can happen to anyone with almost no notice. People found themselves without a home overnight, literally.

  3. A Sense of Urgency- Is it now or never?:

    Reports from scientists often frame climate change as a time-sensitive issue, adding pressure to find immediate solutions. We don’t want to get beyond the tipping point to a place where we can’t turn back and improve our situation.

Image of a woman bowing her head, representing the emotional toll climate anxiety takes on mental health. Wilson Counseling provides resources to manage these overwhelming feelings.

How Climate Anxiety Affects Mental Health

Unchecked, climate anxiety can lead to serious mental health challenges, including:

  • Chronic stress:

    Feeling perpetually on edge about the state of the world.

  • Depression:

    Struggling with a sense of hopelessness or despair.

  • Isolation:

    Withdrawing from others who may not share the same concerns or sense of urgency.

It’s important to address these feelings early to prevent them from escalating.

Image of a woman opening up to her friend, showcasing the importance of discussing climate anxiety and finding support. Wilson Counseling helps you navigate these crucial conversations.

What Can You Do About Climate Anxiety?

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in managing climate anxiety is recognizing it. Suppressing your emotions can make them more overwhelming. Instead, try naming what you’re feeling—whether it’s fear, anger, or sadness—and accept that it’s valid. We have a feelings chart that can help you name what is happening in your body, which is a good step in normalizing your experience. Naming your anxiety out loud—whether with a therapist, trusted friend, or support group—can take away some of its power. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone.

Image of a hand picking up trash, highlighting how small actions can make a big impact and alleviate feelings of helplessness. Wilson Counseling encourages empowerment through action.

2. Take Action Within Your Sphere of Influence

Feeling powerless is one of the biggest drivers of climate anxiety. When the news feels overwhelming or hopeless, it helps to zoom in and focus on what you can control. Taking action—no matter how small—can shift your mindset from helplessness to purpose.

Here are a few accessible ways to start:

  • Reduce your personal carbon footprint.
    Make small but meaningful changes like turning off unused lights, minimizing food waste, biking or walking when possible, and switching to energy-efficient appliances. Try using a footprint calculator like CoolClimate to identify where you can have the biggest impact.

  • Volunteer with local environmental groups.
    Whether you're planting trees, organizing a cleanup, or helping with community garden projects, local action builds resilience—not just for the planet, but for your mental health too. If you're in the U.S., websites like VolunteerMatch or EarthDay.org are great places to start.

  • Advocate for change.
    Use your voice to support policies that protect the environment and promote sustainability. This can be as simple as emailing your representatives, joining a local climate march, or attending city council meetings. Voting for climate-conscious leaders matters at every level of government.

  • Donate to organizations doing meaningful work.
    If you have the financial means, consider supporting nonprofits focused on climate action, environmental justice, or clean energy research. A few respected organizations include:

Remember, while you can’t solve global warming on your own, your choices, your voice, and your energy matter. Taking even one step toward positive change can reduce feelings of helplessness and help you feel like part of something larger—a global community of people committed to protecting the planet.

Action is often the best antidote to despair.

Image of a volunteer holding a plant, symbolizing the power of community in fostering hope and resilience. Wilson Counseling promotes collective action for positive change.

3. Build Community

Climate anxiety often feels isolating, but you’re not alone in your concerns. Seek out local or online groups focused on sustainability or environmental advocacy. Sharing your feelings and working with others toward common goals can provide a sense of connection and purpose.

Why Community Eases Climate Anxiety

  • Collective action decreases depression symptoms
    A survey of nearly 300 U.S. college students revealed that climate anxiety was linked to depressive symptoms only in those not participating in group climate action. Students involved in collective efforts didn’t experience that correlation—suggesting activism can buffer against despair magazine.hms.harvard.edu+15Yale School of Public Health+15AAMC+15.

  • Social support lowers emotional burden
    A U.S. study of 18–35-year-olds found that engaging in collective behaviors significantly reduced the cognitive and emotional burden of climate anxiety. Working together fostered hope and combat feelings of helplessness AAMC+1Wikipedia+1.

  • Anxiety can motivate action—up to a point
    University of Oregon research showed that moderate climate anxiety predicts greater pro-environmental intentions and activism—but extremely high anxiety levels may lead to disengagement The Lancet+15OregonNews+15ScienceDirect+15.

  • Community discussion fosters resilience
    Climate conversation groups (e.g., Climate Cafés, All We Can Save Circles) lead to increased solidarity and reduce feelings of isolation. In one survey, 89% of participants reported feeling more connected—and 90% took climate action afterward News-Medical+10Teen Vogue+10TIME+10.

  • Activism builds purpose and empowerment
    ScienceDirect analysis confirms that activism improves mental health by giving individuals purpose, self-efficacy, and belonging—all of which counteract anxiety magazine.hms.harvard.edu+15ScienceDirect+15PMC+15.

Why These Numbers Matter

  • They show that being part of a group doesn’t just offer emotional comfort—it can prevent real mental health symptoms like sadness and hopelessness.

  • They highlight the importance of shared emotional processing, not just action alone.

  • They confirm that moderate anxiety isn't a weakness—but a signal, and that channeling anxiety into meaningful collective efforts can transform it.

Image of a woman relaxing under a rock, illustrating how mindfulness and self-care can reduce climate anxiety. Wilson Counseling offers techniques to maintain balance and well-being.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

Balancing your mental health is essential. Consider:

  • Meditation: Use guided meditations to help center your thoughts and reduce stress.

  • Spending Time in Nature: Reconnecting with the environment can inspire hope and remind you of the beauty worth protecting.

  • Limiting Media Exposure: Take breaks from the news or social media to avoid information overload.

Image of a woman talking to a therapist, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help for managing climate anxiety. Wilson Counseling in Texas provides compassionate care.

5. Seek Professional Support

If climate anxiety is significantly affecting your quality of life, therapy can help. Working with a counselor allows you to explore your feelings, learn coping strategies, and focus on what you can control. Therapists can also help you find meaning and motivation in your concerns, reframing your anxiety into purposeful action.

Image of a hand reaching toward the ocean, symbolizing hope and the possibility of a brighter future. Wilson Counseling helps you find optimism amidst environmental concerns.

The Importance of Hope

One of the most powerful tools against climate anxiety is hope.

While it’s easy to focus on dire predictions, there are also stories of resilience and progress. Many individuals, organizations, and countries are stepping up to fight climate change, innovate solutions, and promote sustainability.

Hope doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges—it means believing in the possibility of positive change. Look for inspiring stories, celebrate small wins, and remind yourself that collective efforts can make a difference.

Image of multiple fists bumping in solidarity, representing Wilson Counseling’s role in offering guidance and support for managing climate anxiety and fostering resilience.

How We Can Help with climate anxiety

At Wilson Counseling in Texas, we understand how overwhelming climate anxiety can feel. Our therapists are here to support you, offering a safe space to discuss your fears and actionable strategies to manage them. Whether you’re navigating eco-anxiety, stress, or other mental health concerns, we’re committed to helping you find balance and peace.

Climate anxiety is real, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can channel your concerns into meaningful action and emotional wellbeing.

Image of a man stepping onto stairs, symbolizing the journey of taking proactive steps to address climate anxiety. Wilson Counseling helps you move forward with purpose and confidence.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to work through your climate anxiety or any other challenges, Wilson Counseling is here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward healing.

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX

In addition to Anxiety Therapy, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. We offer Premarital Counseling, Couples Therapy and Marriage CounselingDivorce CounselingInfertility CounselingPerinatal and Postpartum Treatment, Parenting CounselingFamily Therapy, Child Therapy, and Teen Counseling. As well as Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, ADHD Treatment, Autism TherapyTrauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy, Chronic Pain Therapy and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.