From the coastal erosion along the shoreline to the continuous oil spills in Ogoniland, unprecedented heavy flooding affecting 33 states in Nigeria, the droughts in East Africa, and other disasters around the globe, old and young people alike are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of these environmental changes on mental wellbeing.

Eco-anxiety is a legitimate worry about the state of the environment and the potential consequences of climate change, which can manifest as disconnectedness, moodiness, burnout, insomnia, powerlessness, stress, or sadness. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, despair, hopelessness, exhaustion, anger, and paralysis, all of which prevent us from taking the necessary action to build resilience against the climate crisis.

Mental Resilience is Important to facing Climate Change

Building mental resilience against climate change is essential because climate change is a major threat that has the potential to cause significant harm to ecosystems, individuals, and communities. As the impacts of climate change become more severe and widespread, It is crucial for people, and by extension communities, to be able to handle the challenges they will face as the effects of climate change become more severe and pervasive. This can include dealing with extreme weather events, dealing with the loss of homes and loved ones, and coping with the mental and emotional strain of living in a rapidly changing world.

Building mental resilience helps us cope with the psychological impacts of climate change, such as fear and uncertainty, and enables us to adapt to the changing environment. Mental resilience also helps us to stay focused and motivated to take action on climate change, such as reducing our carbon footprint, advocating for climate policies, and supporting sustainable solutions. It also helps us to support others who are struggling with the psychological impacts of climate change and to build stronger, more resilient communities. Without mental resilience, we become overwhelmed by the challenges of climate change and less able to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and the planet.  One way to build mental resilience is by engaging with nature through plant therapy.

 What is Plant Therapy?

Plant therapy, also known as horticultural therapy, is one potential way to help manage eco-anxiety. Research has shown that interacting with plants and nature can have a calming and therapeutic effect on the mind and body. This can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote feelings of well-being

Plant therapy involves engaging with plants and nature in a therapeutic setting to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Caring for plants and watching them grow can provide a sense of calm and accomplishment and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, being in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including improved mood and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.

How does Plant Therapy Work?

If you are interested in trying plant therapy to manage your eco-anxiety, there are a few steps you can take. First, find a place where you can engage with plants and nature. Next, engage with the plants in a way that feels meaningful to you, such as watering and tending to them, observing their growth, or even talking to them. Finally, take time to connect with nature and let your mind and body relax.

Plant therapy can be done in various settings, including in a home garden, at a park, or even indoors with potted plants. Some potential activities that can be incorporated into plant therapy include gardening, potting and repotting plants, and simply spending time observing and interacting with plants. These activities can help to distract from negative thoughts and emotions and provide a sense of accomplishment and connection to the natural world. In addition to the physical and mental benefits of plant therapy, it can also have a positive impact on the environment by promoting sustainability and green spaces. This can further help to reduce eco-anxiety by contributing to the health and well-being of the planet.

It’s important to remember that plant therapy is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, and if you are experiencing severe anxiety or other mental health concerns, it’s essential to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional. However, incorporating plant therapy into your self-care routine may be a helpful way to manage your eco-anxiety, build resilience and improve your overall well-being.