This Regina group is fighting climate anxiety — one meeting at a time

Amy Snider's often finds solace in the outdoors.

Her family would often make trips to British Columbia in the summer. Hiking and swimming in cold lakes would often replenish her energy levels.

But the summer of 2021 was different.

Scorching temperatures from an intense heat dome event fuelled numerous forest fires in the province, which Snider's family witnessed as they drove along highways in the province.

"I was constantly reminded of the damage we are doing to the planet," said Snider.

That fall, she fell into a severe depression — constantly thinking about how her own actions affect climate change and the impact it would have on her son.

"Some days I could hardly get out of bed, I had difficulty having basic conversations; finding words," she said.

Snider's worry and grief is often classified as eco anxiety or climate anxiety, a "form of anxiety related to environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, deforestation, species extinction, overpopulation, and other environmental challenges," according to Anxiety Canada.

Eco anxiety has been particularly studied in younger generations thought to be most affected by long-term climate impacts. A study conducted by science journal The Lancet in 2021 suggested that out of 10,000 people in 10 countries between 16 and 25 years old, over 45 per cent said feelings of climate change negatively affected their daily life and functioning.

In the months after falling into depression, Snider turned to two other people in Regina she knew who studied eco anxiety to see if they'd be willing to start an eco anxiety support group.

An open house for their group a short while later revealed 27 interested participants — much more than expected.

"A few broke down in tears just expressing their relief to find like-minded people," said Snider.

The current group — known as EcoStress Sask. — has around 12 members who meet monthly over Zoom. The group usually discusses current climate issues and ways to deal with the stress climate change brings.

The group has been beneficial to Glenn Sutter. The Regina man has been feeling anxiety about the climate to some extent for over 30 years.