A 2021 international study found that nearly two in five youth feel anxious about climate change, and many describe feeling sad, powerless, or uncertain about the future. Chelsey notes that these emotions often show up in counselling sessions — not only as fear about the planet, but as deeper feelings of overwhelm, loss of control, or guilt about not “doing enough.”
“When young people talk about climate change, they’re really talking about fear and uncertainty,” Chelsey explains. “The goal isn’t to remove the anxiety completely, but to help them express it, find community, and discover small, meaningful ways to make a difference.”
At River’s Edge, our therapists are seeing more young clients grappling with eco-anxiety and other climate-related stress. We help families navigate these conversations with empathy and hope — acknowledging the real concerns while also fostering resilience, connection, and agency.
Read the full article in the St. Albert Gazette →