Eco-Anxiety: How teenage activists are balancing their wellbeing and activism

[Reposted from March 25, 2020]

Written by El Wolhardt

Today’s activism is often found in high schools, with students aiming to create change in the world and directly address issues with modern society. Nine student activists that are a part of the organization PollutersOut* share their thoughts on eco-anxiety, self-care, climate activism, and more.

What is your name, age, and where are you from?

Claire Maria Hedberg, 15, United States

Sona Perry, 14, Chicago

Grace Maddrell, 14, England

Ilana Zeitzer, 23, Pennsylvania

Keyra Juliana Espinoza, 17, New York City/Guayaquil, Ecuador

Ethan Stoehr, 16, Indiana

Sophie Levitt, 17, Chicago

Oliver Aljian, 17, Oregon

Aurora Yuan, 17, New Jersey

Can you discuss your experiences with ‘eco-anxiety’?

Sona: When I was in 8th grade, I was so anxious about climate change to the point where I didn’t want to go to college, get married, or have kids because I thought that it would be a complete waste of time and money. I even planned my career as a dancer so that it wouldn’t conflict with my shortened lifespan.

Grace: Sometimes I just feel so panicky. I breathe faster, feel a weight in my chest. I feel trapped and there’s nothing I can do. I pace. I try to get up and do something but often I’m in bed or in a public space and there’s no activism to be done. It gives me insomnia as well, and I lie awake feeling a weight in my stomach and pressure on my chest.

What do you think are the root causes of climate anxiety?

Grace: Fear for our lives, futures, children. Fear for others. For family. The fact that governments are doing next to nothing, and the lack of time we have.

Oliver: We grow up in a culture where we’re expected to live a full life, yet the reality is that our future will look drastically different from that of every prior generation. The anxiety comes out of a sense of uncertainty in what the future holds mixed with a feeling of helplessness because the people who should be dealing with this (politicians, leaders, etc.) are neglecting to do so.

How has the climate crisis affected you personally?

Ilana: When I visited California last year, I returned with smog inhalation issues, which had me relying on two inhalers multiple times a day for nearly two months. That fed both my anxiety and depression due to inaction and my own feelings of not doing enough for the planet.

Sophie: I have asthma so the air quality affects me greatly. In addition to this, our trees are quite integral to my town’s identity so their dying affects morale. Sometimes it gets so hot or cold that I am unable to walk to work or school.

Keyra: As a descendant from the Andes and the Afro Ecuadorian region of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, taking care of nature and letting it take care of you is ingrained in my culture. To me, the climate crisis is erasing my cultural practices and roots. It is erasing my identity and the identity of others around the world who also have this beautiful culture.

Ethan: To be honest, I’m kind of privileged and I haven’t been severely affected. I don’t have asthma or diseases that are worsened by climate change and pollution. It’s been hotter here than it has been before, but I can get through it fine. I partake in climate action for those who are being affected right now and for the horrible effects it will bring in only a few decades.

What are important factors that contribute to your well-being?

Grace: Activism! Actually, acting relieves my depression. Friendship. Sleep. Reading. Exercise. Good food. Rest. Family time. Time with our hamsters.

Sophie: Sleep affects my productivity but not my mood. I think that the people I around heavily influence my well-being as it affects how comfortable I am in a given environment.

Ethan: I exercise regularly, eat healthily, and try to sleep at least 8 hours but sometimes 7 is closer to what I get. Occasionally, I meditate but it’s rare. Maintaining strong relationships is also key.

How do you balance activism with your own wellbeing?

Oliver: This has been somewhat of a challenge for me as an introvert. The biggest thing I have been doing is taking periodic breaks for maybe 2–3 days and then coming back to it after I’m fully reinvigorated. I know it’s not the most ideal setup, but it’s the only way I can think of to balance the activist lifestyle with the reality of that trait.

How do you practice self-care?

Claire: I think this is a bit stereotypical but I love skincare and face masks. Even watching Netflix while working can help me a lot. I also am trying to eat healthier and I enjoy cooking.

Ilana: I make sure to schedule fun activities that are rejuvenating and to get enough sleep. I also try to keep in contact with my friends who are my support system.

Sophie: I try to hang out with people who I know appreciate and care for me, and I make sure to de-stress by listening to music for an hour or so every day.

Why do you think the youth have the power to change the world?

Claire: We are at the forefront of all crises. We know our worth and our power. We are angry and passionate. We aren’t letting anyone get in our way. We’ve got the drive and hunger for justice and that’s how we will change the world.

Aurora: People listen to youth and we have the ability to tell moving and powerful stories. We are the ones being most affected by these different crises, and it’s our generation and our future generations that we are fighting for.

*These youth climate activists are all affiliated with Polluters Out, a global youth climate coalition dedicated to removing the fossil fuel industry from its sphere of influence.

Originally written for the ISSIA Magazine.