3 Ways To Fight The Negative Thought Spiral Of 'Solastalgia'
The planet's dreadful future might be putting a damper on your present state of mind.
By Scott Travers, Ph.D. | September 29, 2023
A survey by the UNDP published in 2021 revealed that a significant majority of people believe that climate change is a global emergency. The psychological toll of this widespread concern is profound.
For many, it's not just about recognizing a global issue but feeling a deep, personal impact on their mental well-being. Especially for those with a strong connection to their environment or homeland, this pervasive anxiety and distress manifests in unique ways.
Such feelings can give rise to "solastalgia," which refers to the dread originating from environmental change. Unlike nostalgia, which is a longing for a place or time in the past that one cannot revisit, solastalgia is the experience of distress from belonging to a home that is undergoing change. A person experiencing solastalgia may feel:
- A deep grief over changing landscapes that were once familiar
- Helplessness over the inability to halt or influence environmental shifts
- Chronic stress from ongoing changes, causing symptoms like insomnia
- A diminishing hope for the future as the environment evolves
- A feeling of being disconnected from one's community or the environment due to rapid alterations
While we can protest the exploitation of natural resources by humans, this is a nuanced issue. We rely on many of these resources for our daily lives, from fueling our homes to producing the gadgets we cherish. Becoming consumed by guilt or anger over humanity's collective environmental impact may not bring about the broad systemic changes we hope for. Instead, it's essential to channel these emotions productively.
Understanding our limitations doesn't mean surrendering to despair. We might not be able to reverse all the damage done, but we can certainly find ways to process our feelings and take action. Here are three practical strategies to mitigate the effects of solastalgia and foster resilience in the face of ecological challenges.
1. Participate In Community Environmental Initiatives
Participating in local community efforts provides a proactive approach to environmental concerns, granting a sense of agency amidst solastalgic feelings.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that initiatives perceived as community-driven significantly bolster a pro-environmental social identity. This sense of collective identity not only binds members but amplifies their dedication to sustainable actions. Engaging in grassroots activities, from conservation groups to tree-planting drives, offers more than just a contribution – it instills a deep sense of purpose. Such participation is linked with increased commitment to environmental actions, largely fueled by the strengthened pro-environmental identity.
Additionally, these group activities provide vital social connections and peer support — essential tools for coping with the overwhelming emotions of solastalgia. By taking tangible ecological actions, individuals shift from helplessness to empowerment, emphasizing solution-driven mindsets over problem-focused ones.
2. Embrace The Healing Potential Of Eco-Art Therapy
Eco-art therapy is an emerging therapeutic approach that marries the creativity of traditional art therapy with the healing power of nature. Rooted in the principle that both art and nature can be deeply cathartic, this approach can be especially beneficial for those grappling with solastalgia.
Engaging in activities like sketching natural landscapes, creating art with natural materials or painting outdoors can serve as a bridge between one's emotions and the environment. Consider tailoring it to your specific source of solastalgia. For instance, if the sight of increasing litter in your neighborhood disturbs you, you could transform discarded items like empty plastic bottles into unique art pieces.
3. Try Out Virtual Reality To Experience The Surroundings You Long For
It may seem counterintuitive to turn to a digital medium to connect with the natural world. However, virtual reality (VR) has presented a novel avenue to bridge this divide, especially for those who might not have immediate access to natural environments or are coping with the emotional toll of environmental changes.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology emphasizes the importance of spaciousness in nature interactions for mental health. The study, leveraging VR simulations of natural landscapes, discovered that spacious landscapes, as opposed to dense ones, promote feelings of selflessness, connectedness and positive affect.
This isn't merely about the visuals. The study highlights an embodied process where individuals' perceived body boundaries seem to dissipate, promoting a more fluid sense of self intertwined with the surroundings.
Immersive experiences recreating spacious natural settings can offer therapeutic benefits akin to actual nature exposure, mitigating feelings of isolation or separation. For urban dwellers or those with limited mobility, VR emerges not just as a tool for escapism but for fostering a profound, interconnected appreciation of our environment.
As the technology evolves, harnessing these spacious, rejuvenating landscapes can serve as a potent remedy for solastalgia and the challenges of modern urban life.
Conclusion
Solastalgia, while deeply unsettling, isn't insurmountable. By engaging with community initiatives, finding solace in eco-art therapy or immersing oneself in virtual spacious landscapes, we can navigate our emotions and foster resilience. Embracing these strategies not only mitigates feelings of environmental loss but also reaffirms our connection to the world, ensuring that despite the challenges, hope and agency remain at the heart of our response.