Facing Climate Stress and Fire Season with Compassion

If you’re a woman living in Seattle or Washington State, you’re likely familiar with the eco-anxiety and wildfire season that returns almost every summer. The smoky skies, air quality alerts, and canceled outdoor activities are more than just inconveniences — they can trigger real anxiety, especially for mothers of young children. I’ve worked with many women who tell me that each summer brings a wave of tension, fear, and even guilt about how to keep their families safe in a world that’s changing fast.

You may find yourself tracking fire maps, feeling angry about environmental inaction, or even overwhelmed by the weight of your personal carbon footprint. These are more than passing worries. You may be experiencing what’s known as eco-anxiety.

As a therapist, I’ve worked with many individuals who carry this quiet, chronic burden — a mix of grief, helplessness, and urgency that’s hard to explain to others. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not broken. Eco-anxiety is a very real emotional response to a very real crisis.

What Is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as “a chronic fear of environmental doom” — a type of anxiety triggered by climate change and environmental degradation (APA, 2020).

It’s not a mental illness, but a legitimate psychological response to perceived threats to the Earth — and by extension, to our health, safety, and future.

Why Do Some People Experience Eco-Anxiety More Intensely?

Living in Washington State — and especially in Seattle — many of us are familiar with the smoky, anxiety-laced part of summer that comes with fire season. For many women I work with, particularly those with infants or young children, this time of year can bring heightened stress. There’s often a deep concern about the air quality, outdoor activity restrictions, and the unpredictability of wildfire season. This ongoing exposure to environmental threat adds layers to anxiety that are both emotional and physical.

Eco-anxiety tends to affect individuals who are deeply connected to the natural world, or who feel a strong sense of responsibility toward social and environmental justice. It can be especially intense for those who:

• Live in regions impacted by wildfires, drought, floods, or extreme heat
• Work in science, education, or environmental advocacy
• Belong to communities vulnerable to environmental injustice
• Consume large amounts of climate-related news and media

Therapist’s insight: I’ve noticed that eco-anxiety often emerges not just from fear, but from care. It’s a sign of empathy, awareness, and deep values — but when it becomes chronic or paralyzing, it’s time to intervene.

What Does Eco-Anxiety Feel Like?

Symptoms of eco-anxiety often overlap with general anxiety or climate grief. These might include:

• Restlessness, racing thoughts, or difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Sadness, anger, or helplessness
• Guilt about lifestyle choices (like flying, plastic use, or meat consumption)
• Social withdrawal or conflict with others over climate issues
• In extreme cases: panic attacks, depressive symptoms, or trauma responses

Research from the Lancet study on climate anxiety in youth found that more than 50% of young people report sadness, fear, anger, and powerlessness about the climate crisis — highlighting just how widespread this emotional impact is.

Parenting in an Uncertain Climate

For many mothers and caregivers, eco-anxiety isn’t just personal — it’s relational. You’re not only worried about your future, but your children’s. I often hear questions like, “How do I explain climate change to my child without scaring them?” or “How do I model hope when I feel overwhelmed?”

Therapist’s insight: Children don’t need perfect answers — they need grounded caregivers. One of the best things you can do is regulate your own anxiety, so you can show up with calm presence. Talk about environmental care with age-appropriate honesty and emphasize action, not doom. Involving kids in nature walks, gardening, or small eco-friendly choices can help them feel connected and empowered rather than afraid.

Acknowledging Access and Privilege

It’s also important to acknowledge that access to eco-conscious choices isn’t equal. Eating organic, switching to green energy, or even safely evacuating during wildfires may not be financially or logistically possible for everyone. If you’ve felt guilt for not being able to “do it all,” know that your value is not defined by your consumption patterns. Mental health support, not moral perfection, is essential in coping with climate stress — especially for communities already under systemic strain.

When It’s More Than Eco-Anxiety

Sometimes what begins as eco-anxiety can evolve into something more persistent or intense. If your worry becomes paralyzing, if you find yourself unable to enjoy daily life or cope with ordinary stressors, or if anxiety about the climate triggers past trauma or panic, you may be dealing with a more complex emotional or nervous system response.

Therapist’s insight: When anxiety starts to disrupt your relationships, your sleep, or your ability to function — it’s time to reach for support. Therapy can help untangle the deeper roots of overwhelm and provide you with tools to feel more grounded, not just in the face of climate stress, but in your day-to-day life.

Ways to Cope with Eco-Anxiety

Eco-anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to reduce distress and build resilience.

1. Ground Yourself in What You Can Control

Shift your focus from guilt to action. Small, meaningful choices — like reducing waste, eating plant-based meals, or supporting sustainable businesses — can reduce helplessness. If you’re unsure where to start, try a carbon footprint calculator from the EPA.

2. Connect with Community

Isolation amplifies eco-anxiety. Joining others — whether in community gardens, local climate action groups, or even virtual forums — helps transform fear into shared purpose. Therapist’s insight: I often encourage clients to turn worry into relational activism: doing something small, together, builds hope.

3. Set Boundaries with Media

While staying informed is important, too much exposure to climate news can fuel despair. Try setting a daily limit or using “slow news” sources that emphasize solutions. Unplug when needed.

4. Practice Emotional Hygiene

Eco-anxiety often lives in the nervous system. Try grounding practices like deep breathing, mindful walks outdoors, or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma linked to climate events. Learn more about EMDR therapy.

5. Talk It Out

You don’t have to carry this alone. Processing your fears with a trusted friend or therapist can reduce shame and expand your sense of possibility. Naming eco-anxiety helps neutralize its grip.

Click here to learn how I work with anxiety.

You’re Not Alone — And You’re Not Overreacting

Eco-anxiety means you’re paying attention. It means you care. The goal isn’t to shut down your concern — it’s to support your nervous system and shift from overwhelmed to engaged. You can build a more sustainable future and protect your own emotional well-being.

If eco-anxiety has been affecting your peace of mind or your ability to care for yourself or your family, therapy can help you reconnect with steadiness, clarity, and hope.

Until next time — breathe gently, move slowly, and meet yourself with kindness.
— Iris Hogan, Therapist