The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day. It’s a day to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote global efforts for strong support systems, so it’s an ideal moment to spotlight a matter that’s impacting more and more of us: eco-anxiety.
More than half of young people around the globe are very or extremely worried about climate change with many reporting feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, powerlessness, and guilt. It’s a growing issue and as we grapple with fears about the future and do our best to make changes in our own lives and push for positive changes on a global level, it’s important that we take the time to care for ourselves and decompress.
Eco-anxiety is often coupled with activism or changemaker burnout too, where people who are active and vocal about a specific issue – such as ethical and sustainable fashion - start to experience feelings such as fatigue, stress, feeling detached from the issue, and lack of motivation. If we don’t look after ourselves, we can’t keep working to make the world a better place, so follow our tips to take care of your own wellbeing, alongside the planet’s.
Portion out your time
When we’re flooded with images of textile waste, fast fashion haul videos, and news of pollution, it’s easy to feel like we must be doing something to tackle the issues at all times. But it’s not sustainable to be in changemaker mode constantly, it’s crucial to build in time for rest, friends and family too. Not only does portioning out your time mean you’re able to build a well-balanced life, but it also means that when you are in that ‘on’ mode, you will be at your very best.
Take time out for joy
This is closely linked to the previous tip, but we think it deserves its own spot. Often, people dealing with eco-anxiety or burnout feel guilty and that they shouldn’t take time out to have fun. But many prominent changemakers across different fields say that joy is in fact an act of resistance – a way to disrupt expectations, to make connections, and to lift your energy levels. We are all working towards creating a better, fairer, more sustainable future and joy should play a big part in that.
Spend time in nature
Preserving and supporting nature and its ecosystems is at the centre of why so many sustainable fashion supporters do what they do. When a love of nature is your inspiration, it’s crucial that you don’t just look at it as something to be saved, but that you spend time in it, enjoying it for what it is. Not only will it affirm why you care but spending time outdoors has been found to help with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and research has even shown that people who are more connected with nature are happier. So, take this as your cue to get outdoors.
Turn anxiety into action
While it’s important to take time away from changemaking and divide your time carefully, sometimes taking action is the ticket to easing eco-anxiety. The story of Untouched World began with our founder Peri standing on the shores of a once pristine lake, next to which was now a sign reading “Don’t touch the water – dangerously contaminated”. Aware that fashion played a huge role in polluting nature, that experience was the spark she needed to create a brand that could be a vehicle for change. Of course, not everyone needs to run out and start a fashion brand - there are many ways you can turn your anxiety into action. If you’re worried about pollution in your local area, you could organise a litter pick; if you are overwhelmed by images of textile waste you could organise a repair workshop or a clothes swap; if you feel like your leaders aren’t doing enough, you could join – or start – a campaign group. Action comes in many shapes and sizes and it all counts.
Talk about it
Many people all around the world are suffering from eco-anxiety or burnout. You are not alone, so seek out spaces to talk about your feelings. See if there is a Climate Café in your area, connect with local sustainable fashion or climate groups, and talk to your friends and family too; you may be surprised just how many people in your life are feeling the same way.
Don’t look at it as something to be fixed
Taking these tips on board should help you to create a more balanced approach to activism and prioritise your wellbeing. For more advice and inspiration, we recommend these brilliant resources:
