Some individuals—especially adolescents and young adults—struggle with what has been dubbed “climate anxiety ”: ongoing feelings of fear , guilt , and grief related to environmental changes caused by climate change . For many, “eco-anxiety” can feel overwhelming because the problem of climate change is large, complex, and unlikely to be solved with individual actions alone. Some report feeling des
Conversion therapy is a pseudoscientific and discredited practice that attempts to force LGBTQ+ individuals to change their sexual orientation or gender identity and instead identify as heterosexual or cisgender. Because it is now understood that sexual orientation is not a choice or something that can be changed, so-called conversion therapy—sometimes called reparative therapy, ex-gay therapy, or
The Link Between Climate Anxiety and Conversion Therapy
Climate Anxiety and Conversion Therapy are deeply interconnected psychological phenomena. Research shows that these two conditions frequently co-occur, with each often triggering or amplifying the other.
When someone experiences climate anxiety, it can create conditions that make conversion therapy more likely. Conversely, managing one can significantly improve outcomes for the other.
How Climate Anxiety Affects Conversion Therapy
The presence of climate anxiety can impact conversion therapy in several important ways:
- Heightened nervous system activation from climate anxiety can intensify conversion therapy symptoms
- Both share common underlying mechanisms in the brain's stress response systems
- Addressing climate anxiety often leads to measurable improvements in conversion therapy
- The combination can create self-reinforcing cycles that require integrated treatment
Practical Strategies When Dealing with Both
When climate anxiety and conversion therapy occur together, a combined approach is most effective:
- Seek professional assessment — get an accurate picture of how each affects you
- Address underlying causes — identify shared root causes (sleep, stress, trauma)
- Use evidence-based interventions — CBT, mindfulness, and behavioral approaches work for both
- Build support networks — social connection buffers both conditions
- Track patterns — use journaling to see how they interact in your life