As climate change continues to dominate headlines, more people are experiencing eco-anxiety. This growing issue is particularly relevant for mental health services and the professionals working within them.
At Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, we work closely with NHS Trusts and private sector providers to supply experienced mental health locums. Increasingly, our candidates are seeing the effects of eco-anxiety in their day-to-day roles, especially when working in community mental health teams, CAMHS, crisis services and therapy settings.
Eco-anxiety refers to ongoing worry or distress about environmental issues. While not formally recognised as a mental health disorder, it can have a significant impact on wellbeing. Symptoms may include feelings of helplessness, low mood, sleep problems, obsessive thinking about climate change, and emotional fatigue. These concerns are particularly common among young people, but they are also being reported by adults dealing with climate-related stress or trauma.
Mental health professionals are in a unique position to help patients manage these fears. Validating their concerns, encouraging constructive coping strategies, and promoting resilience are all key. Techniques such as mindfulness, nature-based activities and action-oriented therapy can help patients regain a sense of control.
From a service perspective, preparing staff to recognise and respond to climate-related distress is essential. This might include staff training, integrating environmental themes into assessments and ensuring clinicians have access to the right resources. Mental health services that take a proactive approach will be better equipped to meet the needs of patients experiencing eco-anxiety.
At Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, we’re proud to support services with locum professionals who are not only clinically excellent but aware of the wider challenges affecting mental health today. As the climate crisis evolves, so too must our understanding of the psychological impact it has.
Looking for your next mental health locum role? Or need high-quality clinicians to support your service? We’d love to help.