What is Anxiety and Climate Anxiety?

Climate anxiety is the persistent worry and fear about the negative impact of climate change. It can manifest in emotional and physical symptoms:

Physical Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite

Emotional Symptoms:

• Panic attacks
• Constant worrying
• Irritability
• Depression
• Self-isolation
• Lack of motivation

For more details on anxiety, mental health symptoms, and how to seek support, visit Mental Wellness Center’s Resources page.

Mental Health and Climate Change

Helplessness

The feeling of being unable to reverse climate change can lead to despair and hopelessness. Those who have lived through wildfires or other natural disasters in Santa Barbara may also experience PTSD, depression, or anxiety as they work to recover. According to the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Department, residents impacted by natural disasters are at greater risk for mental health conditions.

Uncertainty

For those preparing for wildfires or other disasters, uncertainty can be overwhelming. Marginalized communities in Santa Barbara often face more significant challenges due to limited resources for recovery, housing, or employment after being displaced. Ready SBC provides valuable resources to help individuals and families prepare for natural disasters and minimize the emotional toll of uncertainty.

Mental Wellness Center offers specific support for managing anxiety and stress.

Strategies for Coping and Building Resilience

Coping with climate anxiety is important for your mental wellness. Here are some strategies to help you manage your emotions and build resilience:

Limit Your Exposure to Distressing News

Although it is important to stay informed, excessive news consumption can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries with your media use by limiting the time spent on news and social media. Consider checking updates from reliable local resources like Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management. Focus on activities that help you relax and bring you joy.

Engage in Self-Care Practices

Prioritize self-care practices that bring you peace, such as mindfulness, physical activity, or spending time in nature. Local parks, beaches, and hiking trails offer excellent opportunities to reconnect with the environment positively.

Explore mindfulness and wellness tips from Mental Wellness Center on their Self-Care Resources page.

Focus on What You Can Control

Focus on actionable steps to combat feelings of helplessness. For instance:

• Reduce your energy use at home.
• Use eco-friendly transportation options.
• Advocate for change by contacting your local representatives.

Build Community

Connecting with others is key to resilience. Consider joining local groups focused on climate action or mental wellness, such as NAMI Santa Barbara or a support group offered by Mental Wellness Center. Shared purpose and collaboration can improve mental health and reduce feelings of isolation.

When to Seek Help

If you’ve tried these strategies but still find yourself struggling, you may be experiencing early warning signs of a mental health condition. Consider taking a free and confidential mental health screening at mhascreening.org.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available:

• Call or text 988 for immediate support.
• Text HELLO to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
• For local resources, contact Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness.

Mental Wellness Center is here to support you. Explore our services and learn more at mentalwellnesscenter.org.

The post Coping with Climate Anxiety: Support for Santa Barbara Residence first appeared on Mental Wellness Center.

I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder when I was very young—I think I may have been in elementary school. Those early years in school were tough for me. When I got to Fayetteville, I got really involved in pageantry and was crowned Miss Teen Arkansas. I loved the traditions, camaraderie, and the community work that came with the title. But after a while, my anxiety was joined by depression, and I had to step away.

Even leaving the pageant world didn’t make me feel better. My friends started getting really concerned about me, and I had to admit that I needed help.

When I met with my doctor and shared what I’d been experiencing, she told me, “We can try different medications, but it will take some time to figure out what works.” The thought of waiting for results terrified me—I was in a bad place mentally and didn’t have time to wait and deal with medication trial and error. That’s when my doctor mentioned something called pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing.

PGx tests analyze your DNA for genetic variants that may impact how your body metabolizes or responds to certain medications. Information provided by PGx tests can help inform your doctor’s treatment plan for you during their medical evaluation.

I had never heard of PGx testing before, but I was desperate for relief. I took a simple mouth swab test, and about a week later, my doctor received the results. Reviewing them with my doctor, I was surprised—and relieved—to learn that the medication I’d been taking may be affected by my genetics. My doctor decided to switch me to a different medication based on their medical assessment and PGx testing information, and it helped! I’ve been on this new medication for over a year now, and it’s absolutely helped change my life.

Since I took the PGx test and got on a medication that helped with my symptoms, I’ve been able to return to doing what I love. I was crowned Miss Arkansas USA and even competed in the Miss USA pageant. My platform is mental health.

In college, I became an active member of my campus chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Now, I want to share with young women like me—and really, with the world—how pharmacogenomic testing may be able to help you find a better medication so you can finally start feeling better!

**This story is one patient’s personal experience. Other patients may not have the same experience or outcome. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider.

Madeline Bohlman is the reigning Miss Arkansas USA and recently graduated from the University of Arkansas. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she collaborates with organizations like NAMI to promote awareness and support. You can find her on Instagram: @missarusa and @MadelineBohlman.

The post From Anxiety to Advocacy: How Pharmacogenomic Testing Helped My Mental Health Journey first appeared on Mental Wellness Center.