The widespread floods of last year, along with other catastrophic events including the Black Summer bushfires have been the focus of new research on environmental issues and the way they affect mental health of young people.

"Climate anxiety" and "eco-anxiety" are new terms being used to describe feelings of anxiety, helplessness, stress, worry and frustration about the effects of climate change, including natural disasters.

The headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey shows over half of Australian young people (53%) surveyed feel fearful about the future due to the impacts of climate change – a view that is shared by many young people living in disaster-hit communities.

This week, headspace launched a video series that shares the stories of young people who experienced the devastating 2022 floods.

One of the young people who features in the series, 24-year-old Sereena, shares how she is looking after herself following the experience of the 2022 floods and overcoming the anxiety relating to extreme weather events fuelled by climate change.

“Waking up Monday morning and hearing that the water was two metres higher than the 2017 levels… it was really hard to comprehend. It was far more extreme that it ever has been, or what we thought it could be," she said. “I think that the general feeling in the community was one of gut-wrenching pain. Not on just a physical and mental level, but also a spiritual level. It was our whole community – tens of thousands of people – impacted. Even today in 2023, there are houses that are empty, and it plays on your mind. There were people living in those homes once, and there are no longer people there. It hits very close to home.”

Sereena believes it is important for young people impacted by extreme weather events to take the time to look after themselves.

“My piece of advice for young people going through natural disasters is acknowledging that it is going to be hard. It is hard, and it will be for a long time. It is a year on, and it is still something I’m dealing with. But that’s okay. It’s a very real issue. Brush your hair, clean your teeth, make your bed. Take these smalls steps to make something bigger for you.”

Sereena talks about her flood experience. SOURCE: headspace.org.au

National Clinical Advisor for headspace, Rupert Saunders said, “It is very normal for young people to feel concerned about the impacts of climate change, as they are aware that it is a global issue that will likely have a profound effect on their future. In some instances, young people have told us that their frustrations, stress, guilt and worry about climate change interfere with their daily lives.

Mr Saunders advised young people experiencing anxiety about climate change to find ways of building strategies for when things feel overwhelming. Taking a break from the news cycle or social media channels that can cause anxiety, talking with your friends and family about your feelings, looking after yourself by doing the things you enjoy and developing helpful habits – like eating well and exercising – are all ways young people can look after themselves when experiencing heightened emotions about climate change.

“We also know that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking action can help you feel more in control and help things seem more manageable. Young people have the energy, willingness and influence to help make a difference – whether that’s by voting, getting involved in their community, or having conversations about climate change with family and friends – and we encourage them to do so.

“It is also important to remember that while young people can feel empowered to shape the fight against climate change, it can’t rest solely on their shoulders. Governments must heed young Australians’ call to take action against the climate crisis.”

Stewart talks about what helped him cope after the floods in his area. IMAGE: headspace.org.au

To help provide a platform for conversation, headspace will host an online group chat on Thursday 14 September for young people to talk with their peers about how climate change is impacting them and share actionable ideas to making a change. Registration is on the headspace website.

Watch headspace’s After the Floods series here