Feeling Eco-Anxious? You're Not Alone. Here's What Helped Me
Have you ever read something about the state of the planet and just felt… off? A mix of sadness, frustration, and a little bit of guilt? That low-level worry that creeps in when you think about the ocean, the climate, the future? That’s called eco-anxiety, and it’s something I’ve felt too.
For me, it wasn’t a full-blown crisis. It was more like a steady, underlying discomfort. A feeling that I should be doing more, but didn’t know where to start. And at times, I wondered if my small actions could even make a difference. Especially when we hear from certain world leaders that they’re pulling out of agreements that put the planet’s climate at even greater risk.
Turns out, that feeling is more common than I realised.
So, What Is Eco-Anxiety?
Eco-anxiety (or climate anxiety) is the term for that unease or emotional stress related to environmental issues. It’s not a disorder, but it’s being recognised more and more by mental health professionals, especially as the effects of climate change become harder to ignore.
It’s a very natural response to caring deeply about the world around you.
My Turning Point
What helped me was shifting my focus from the problems to the possibilities. From guilt to action.
That’s actually one of the reasons we’re creating In the Wake of Giants. The idea for the film came from wanting to tell a story that feels real and grounded, but also hopeful. One that doesn’t just show what’s wrong, but highlights what’s possible when people come together to protect what matters.
The film follows Jono Allen, a conservationist with a deep connection to the ocean and the megafauna that call it home. Alongside scientists, local communities, and tourism operators, he’s working on a roadmap to safeguard whale migration routes in the Coral Triangle. It’s one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth.
Coping with Eco-Anxiety (Without Burning Out)
Here’s what’s helped me stay grounded:
Learning from people doing great work. From scientists to everyday ocean lovers who are making a difference in their own way. People like Lea D’Auriol from Oceanic Global (@oceanic.global), who’s championing ocean conservation through education and industry change. The international network of storytellers at Ocean Culture Life (@oceanculturelife), who are sharing powerful, community-driven ocean stories. Even travelling with eco-conscious tourism operators like Airguides (@airguides), who are reimagining adventure travel with sustainability at the forefront. All of it reminds me that change is already happening.
Choosing progress over perfection. Every conscious decision, no matter how small, has value.
Getting involved in creative projects. Like this film, which gives me a sense of purpose and connection.
Limiting the doomscrolling. Staying informed without spiralling.
Focusing on what we can do. Because there is always something.
Why It’s Okay to Care
If you’ve felt eco-anxiety in any form, know this. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you care. And caring is powerful.
I honestly believe that when we share stories that uplift, connect, and inspire, we can shift the conversation from fear to action. That’s what we’re hoping In the Wake of Giants will do.
You’re Not Alone. And You Can Make a Difference
Eco-anxiety doesn’t have to stop you from showing up for the planet. In fact, it might be the very thing that leads you to find your own way of contributing. Whether that’s through activism, education, creativity, or simply being more conscious in how you live and travel.
If you’re curious about the film, you can watch the teaser here:
👉 https://www.inthewakeofgiantsfilm.com/teaser
Let’s keep talking about it. Let’s support each other. And let’s turn our concern into something meaningful.
