Climate Grief: Cultivating Resilience and Agency in the Face of Climate Change
Description
As the climate crisis continues to evolve, society is grappling with the associated challenges to individual and collective mental health (APA 2017). Those working or studying on the ‘front lines’ report increasing fear, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair—psychological responses which, if left unaddressed, may take a severe personal toll and obstruct the innovative solutions we so desperately need. This workshop will be particularly relevant for students working on issues of environment, renewable energy, natural disaster relief, and/or other forms of sustainable development, however it is open to all students who have experienced or anticipate experiencing mental health challenges associated with climate change. This session will explore the felt experience(s) of climate grief and introduce practical techniques for mitigating negative mental health outcomes.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
● Explore embodied experience(s) of climate grief, despair, and denial;
● Identify aggravating factors and practice navigating triggers;
● Define a compassionate approach to climate grief;
● Discover techniques for restoring agency and a sense of efficacy;
● Practice cultivating compassion and self-compassion while working towards climate solutions
Facilitated by BeDo, a student-led and female-founded wellbeing initiative for impact-driven individuals.