Mercer Times

Kathleen Grant, an assistant professor of counselor education at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), recently addressed teachers at Bear Tavern Elementary School in Hopewell. Her presentation was part of a professional development day and focused on the topic of eco-anxiety.

"Climate change profoundly impacts the lives of this generation of children and adolescents," Grant stated. She shared her research with educators, school psychologists, and counselors to raise awareness about what some students might be experiencing. Eco-anxiety is described by Grant as "a chronic fear of ecological doom from exposure to climate change and its implications for current and future life on Earth."

Grant also engages with high school students to enhance their understanding of how climate change relates to their mental health.

According to Grant, symptoms of eco-anxiety can include grief over the loss of natural environments, anger towards older generations and government inaction, guilt about personal complicity, and a pervasive sense of fear and existential dread. Some young people experience difficulties with sleep and concentration, as well as generalized depression and anxiety. She noted a feeling of helplessness among those she studied, who feel unable to contribute effectively to combating climate change.

Faculty members at Bear Tavern expressed that Grant's research would aid them in better supporting their students.

"Kids now see how much change there is, and we need to understand that they are experiencing loss," said Diane Dempsey, a social worker at the school. "For example, they may live in a town affected by floods or see the loss of trees in a park they used to walk through. We can acknowledge their feelings and try to give them a sense of control with projects like recycling so that they can start to be less scared."