How to Manage Your Eco-Anxiety

March 1, 2024
A survey of practical strategies for young people to use to alleviate anxiety related to the effects of a warming planet. As people experience the impact of our climate emergency, psychoanalyst Grose has seen more clients who exhibit stress over climate change. Acknowledging that eco-anxiety is "a reasonable response to a real problem," she presents 10 steps, each with an accompanying toolkit, to support teens in managing their feelings, building resiliency, taking empowering action, and more. The book opens by identifying how these challenging feelings might show up, both mentally and physically. Throughout, Grose balances the need to be genuinely concerned about climate change with learning how to take care of oneself so the concern doesn't harm one's well-being. She acknowledges that people will need different things, especially when it comes to self-care, and offers a variety of concrete suggestions for common challenges, including striking the right balance with the amount and kind of information we consume and finding a community of like-minded people who can offer support. The informal font, pastel-colored pages, and whimsical illustrations of flowers, rainbows, and toadstools give the work a journal-like feel and help lighten the mood. The human figures scattered throughout are diverse in skin tone. An empowering guide to living with the stress of the climate change crisis. (author's note, glossary, resources) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

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March 1, 2024
Grades 7-10 Grose, a psychoanalyst, offers upbeat and reassuring advice to young people on managing anxiety about climate change. This takes the form of 10 steps, each with its own tool kit and accompanied by cheerfully colored pastel illustrations. She focuses less on the usual tips to save the planet (although some eco-friendly activities are mentioned), emphasizing instead ways to nurture young people's positive mental health. Grose stresses that young people shouldn't be afraid to have feelings or feel alone with their fears, and advocates talking to others about their anxieties so that they don't become overwhelmed. Young people are urged to learn about climate change, and a number of kid-friendly documentaries and websites are recommended, as is the fact that climate caf�s exist around the world (some allow entry by anyone under age 18). The tool kits include many ideas for taking action, such as practicing self-care, building resilience and well-being by connecting with nature, and letting your "love for the planet guide your actions." Back matter includes a glossary and resources. An insightful and helpful guide.

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August 1, 2024

Gr 5 Up-With beautiful art complementing the important message, this nonfiction balances being supportive and validating of anxiety surrounding the environment and also empowers readers. Grouse educates on all that is within control, even with the fears and anxieties surrounding climate change. With an obvious and expected focus on the environment and sustainability, the lovely way eco-anxiety is discussed can also be easily applied to other mental health needs. Other important and difficult conversations are tackled as well, such as navigating trust, autonomy in our thinking, as well as navigating upset with larger organizations, such as corporations and the government. Overall, this was extremely validating for all emotions as there is an open discussion regarding resilience as well as self-care and balancing anxiety with real suggestions and solutions. VERDICT This is an all-around, great inclusive book for mental health in general, with a wonderful focus on the environment and sustainability.-Jenna LaBollita

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