Aastha Trivedi
We are living in anxious times. While Gen Z is using their anxiety to fuel social activism, there is a growing strain on the collective mental health and well-being of the younger generation.
Given the never-ending challenges provoked by the rising cost of living, increasing political division and the upheaval caused by climate change, anxiety levels among the youth are at an all-time high. Since I was a teenager, I have been hyper-aware of the gravity of these issues, but have felt an underlying sense of disempowerment. Nonetheless, the collective efforts of Gen Z and millennial activists such as Greta Thunberg, Emma González and Amika George are a testament to the emotional resilience of the younger generations. They have transformed their anxieties into positive action and the rest of us should follow suit.
Eco-Anxiety
Understanding why anxiety levels have risen is crucial. However, celebrating our determination to support our well-being when fighting for policy reforms is equally important. Time and time again, I am overwhelmed by the harrowing news of erratic weather changes, food scarcity and the extinction of yet another neglected species. But rather than succumbing to distress, we can use activism as an outlet for our “eco-anxiety”.
“We can come together through collective action, making a difference in the world and for the sake of our mental health.”
So, what is ‘eco-anxiety’? Eco-anxiety is the worry and tension that we harbour due to our awareness of climate change. It is the despair experienced by those of us who feel we do not have the agency to address this issue. However, eco-anxiety is natural. Professor Caroline Hikeman explained that experiencing anxiety about climate change is an emotionally healthy response to a very grave issue.
Many UK-based activists that I admire, such as Tori Tsui and Mikaela Loach, engage in activism by transforming fear, anxiety and guilt into optimism and strength for collective action.
“The antidote to eco-anxiety is choosing to create a platform for peaceful dialogue”
Alongside other activists, including Loach, Tsui has participated in ‘Sail for Climate Action’ a campaign focused on empowering communities most adversely impacted by climate change (such as Indigenous populations). The campaign encouraged them to voice their struggles at the 2020 UN Climate Change Conference in Germany.
By uniting with other like-minded activists and uplifting disenfranchised communities, Tsui and Loach demonstrate the antidote to eco-anxiety — creating a platform for peaceful dialogue that welcomes all perspectives.
Supporting Youth Amidst The Cost Of A Living Crisis
Climate change is not the only issue affecting young people. The economic decline following COVID-19 has disproportionately affected young workers by reducing employment opportunities.
As students, my peers and I took on multiple part-time jobs on top of our studies to finance our rent. Moreover, we struggled with rising energy bills, due to the pressing geopolitical conflict in Ukraine and inflation in the price of services due to Brexit.
“Activists must continue to support each other to avoid the risk of emotional exhaustion”
The recent student-led protests in Bangladesh, where tens of thousands of students demanded an end to nepotistic public-sector job quotas, clearly indicate the youths’ anxiety. However, their participation in peaceful protests affirms their unwavering strength.
Rather than sensationalising or minimising these issues, politicians must support young people by listening to them. We can only do so much. There’s nothing more disheartening than a government that won’t address these issues and create a positive long-term impact.
Cultivating Hope Amidst Increasing Political Division
In an age marked by political polarisation, young people continue to cultivate hope.
Unfortunately, our efforts are often dismissed by ‘Boomers’ who label Gen Z, the “snowflake generation”. They often blame our anxieties on the over-usage of social media. But while our increased exposure to issues all over the world through social media is a probable factor, it is our lack of agency that leaves us crippled with anxiety.
Ultimately, activists must continue to support each other to avoid the risk of emotional exhaustion. Heikman is a keen advocate for “radical hope”, a kind of hope that does not overlook the severity of global challenges and their psychological implications. It chooses to attend to mental health challenges whilst advocating for change.
“Agency can be derived from the collective determination to repeatedly choose hope”
Whenever I feel hopeless, I take inspiration from Loach’s wisdom. She suggests that the best way to build the resilience required for social transformation is to take inspiration from historical figures who have faced insurmountable obstacles but triumphed over them. We must resist the cynical voice in our mind that states we lack agency. Instead, we must remind ourselves that agency can be derived from the collective determination to choose hope repeatedly.
Reaching Out For Help
The ongoing issues we face in the world are overwhelming. But while fear, unease and apprehension are normal, they should not limit our ability to lead fulfilling lives.
However, support for mental health is available. The NHS offers talking therapies, counselling and medication to those in need. While the issues we face are challenging, we are not alone. We can come together through collective action, making a difference in the world and for the sake of our mental health.
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Featured image courtesy of Heather Mount on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
