While discussions about climate change typically focus on rising temperatures, sea levels, and biodiversity loss, there is a human dimension that is gaining increasing traction in psychiatry and sociology: "eco-anxiety." This term refers to the chronic fear and anxiety associated with worry about the planet's environmental fate. Recent European studies show that this anxiety has become a health epidemic among young people and adolescents, affecting their future decisions, their desire to have children, and their life satisfaction.
A psychoanalytic analysis of this phenomenon reveals that today's youth, or "Generation Z," feels angry and confused. This generation has grown up hearing about "tipping points" and sees daily news reports of forest fires, floods, and droughts. The difference between this generation and previous ones is that the danger is no longer theoretical or remote; it is visible in the climate of their cities. This certainty that they will be the first generation to suffer the full consequences of a climate catastrophe creates a feeling of helplessness and a heavy sense of responsibility. Studies show that many young people are hesitant to have children, fearing that their offspring will be born into an unlivable world.
On the other hand, "climate anxiety" is both a blessing and a curse. On the positive side, it is a motivator for action. This anxiety has driven millions of young people to join the "climate rebellion" movements (Fridays for Future) and pressure governments to change their policies. It is an indicator of a high moral commitment to the planet. But the problem arises when this anxiety turns into paralysis, where individuals feel that no matter what they do, it will never be enough, leading to depression and social withdrawal.
Healthcare systems in Europe today face a new challenge: how to treat and diagnose "climate distress"? Doctors and psychologists have begun developing protocols to address this type of anxiety, including group work and channeling anxiety into active action (such as participating in agricultural or clean-up projects). There are calls to integrate "green mental health" into school curricula to teach children how to cope with environmental news without becoming overwhelmed and to foster a sense of agency.
From a social perspective, a generational gap emerges. The older generation, which has experienced periods of economic prosperity and relative climate stability, may struggle to understand the depth of the despair felt by younger generations. This difference in perspective leads to intergenerational conflicts within families, where young people feel that their elders have "eaten up the future" and left them with nothing. This social disconnect threatens social cohesion and makes the green transition more difficult, as such a transition requires intergenerational solidarity.
Furthermore, the media, and social media in particular, contribute to amplifying this anxiety. The constant stream of tragic images, devoid of contextual solutions or hope, reinforces the feeling of collapse. This is where "solutions journalism" and environmental education come in, providing a balanced narrative that presents the problems but also highlights successes and efforts to address the situation, giving young people a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities.
Climate-related trauma is an undeniable reality. Addressing it requires more than just individual psychological treatment; it demands a societal and political response that empowers young people with hope and empowers them to participate in shaping solutions. Investing in mental health, providing a safe green environment, and activating the role of youth in decision-making are not just luxuries, but necessities for preserving the well-being of future generations.
