Understanding and living with climate grief and climate stress for farmers and ranchers

The climate is rapidly changing. The Northwest is experiencing more severe weather events, including heat waves in the summer and ice storms in the winter. Farmers and ranchers might disproportionately experience the stress and challenges of climate change, as they tend to be more closely tied to the land. They are adjusting to these shifts and shoring up their operations for the next major weather event. Building better infrastructure, adapting crop varieties and livestock breeds and considering insurance options are all important steps in being more climate-resilient. Addressing the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change is also crucial. Farmers grapple with grief over environmental losses and navigate the stress of adapting to an increasingly unpredictable climate, which negatively affects profitability and their ability to stay in business. The first step to addressing climate-related emotions is to identify and understand them.

1. Climate grief:
   
   • What is it? Climate grief refers to the emotional response people have when they experience or anticipate losses related to environmental changes and ecosystems. It’s feeling sad when something you care about is lost. Like all forms of grief, climate grief is completely normal and appropriate.
   • Examples of climate grief:
     • Fear about the decline of beneficial insects on a farm.
     • Frustration about the loss of open irrigation ditches.
     • Sorrow over a favorite forest that burned in a wildfire.
   • Why is it different from other types of grief? Climate grief isn’t always recognized or acknowledged, unlike grief from losing a loved one. Mainstream culture lacks practices to cope with this type of grief. When someone dies, we organize a memorial or funeral or bring meals to the grieving family. Mainstream culture has no comparable rituals for climate losses. Climate grief also differs from grief associated with the loss of a loved one because it is ongoing, cumulative and without resolution.
     
2. Climate stress:
   
   • What is it? Climate stress is the response triggered by the negative impacts of climate change.
   • Examples of climate stress:
     • Feeling acute stress during a hurricane or wildfire.
     • Experiencing prolonged dread due to ongoing drought, flooding or wildfire smoke.
   • Why is it different from other types of stress? Unlike everyday stress, people might not understand that they are experiencing climate stress and, therefore, don’t know how to address it. Also, physical changes (like air quality decline) can affect mental health.
     
3. Who is impacted?
   
   • Climate change affects everyone, but some populations, including people who work outside, suffer the most. Most Americans worry about climate change and some experience anxiety or depression due to its effects.

Farmers and ranchers are uniquely impacted by stress and grief related to climate change due to their close connection to the land and the challenges they face in adapting to environmental shifts. Ironically, for many farmers, the activity that nourishes and connects them to nature —food production — can also cause stress and anxiety. Farming is, by nature, stressful, but climate change adds unusual risk and hardship. Let’s break it down:

1. Observing environmental changes:
   • Farmers and ranchers spend significant time outdoors, closely interacting with biological systems. They witness the firsthand effects of climate change on ecosystems, crops and livestock.
   • This direct exposure can lead to feelings of grief and concern as they see unexpected changes unfold before their eyes.
     
2. Challenges to livelihood:
   • Climate change brings unpredictable and extreme weather conditions. Farmers and ranchers rely on stable, predictable weather patterns for successful crop growth and livestock management.
   • Increased variability disrupts the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, making it harder to produce food and earn a living.
   • These challenges contribute to stress and mental health issues among agricultural workers.
   • Climate change may impact a farmer’s sense of self and core identity if they feel they can’t farm anymore.
     
3. Changing mental health landscape:
   • Historically, farmers were less likely to seek help for mental health concerns. However, recent evidence suggests a shift, with more farmers seeking counseling.
   • Uncertainty about the future of farming, exacerbated by climate change impacts, plays a significant role in this changing trend.
   • Lack of health care and a shortage of service providers can represent additional barriers.

Everyone experiences climate stress and grief differently. See the climate emotions wheel for reference (Figure 1). Which quadrant do you most identify with? Which feelings listed do you experience most commonly?

1. Stress — climate stress can be acute, chronic or both.
   • Acute stress: This type of stress occurs quickly and lasts for a short period. It can be helpful when you need extra motivation to complete a task. However, it can also be harmful when the response is to something life-threatening. For example, onset of post-traumatic stress disorder.
     • Symptoms of acute stress:
       • Anxiety
       • Irritability
       • Mood swings
       • Lack of focus
       • Insomnia
       • Anger
       • Recurrent nightmares
   • Chronic stress: Ongoing and unpredictable stress has negative health implications. It can affect your entire body and decrease mental well-being.
     • Common symptoms of chronic stress:
       • Fatigue
       • Irritability
       • Headaches
       • Insomnia
       • Decreased energy
       • Frequent illnesses
       • Anxiety
       • Digestive issues
       • Nausea
2. Grief
   • What it feels like:
     • Grief is a natural response to any kind of loss. Examples include loss of a family member, pet, home or special place. Everyone experiences it differently.
     • Symptoms of grief:
       • Lethargy
       • Chest tightness
       • Dry mouth
       • Aches and pains
       • Insomnia
       • Depression
       • Aggression
       • Irritability
       • Sorrow
       • Emotional numbness

Sometimes, grief can persist longer than is healthy and lead to a disorder called “complicated grief.”

Symptoms of complicated grief:

• Avoidance of reminders
• Intense loneliness
• Difficulty pursuing interests
• Feeling that life is meaningless

Remember that seeking professional help is essential if stress or grief becomes overwhelming.

What can I do about my climate stress and grief?

Many people avoid thinking and talking about climate change because they sense that the feelings will be overwhelming and not socially acceptable. The losses we have already experienced, and the anticipated changes can feel overwhelming, which often leads to a sense of paralysis. It might seem easier to stay busy, distract ourselves, and focus on things we can control. Likewise, climate change can be a difficult subject to bring up in casual conversation, which results in many people feeling isolated or alone with their strong emotions. However, research shows that people who talk about their climate stress and grief with others are more resilient, are more likely to take action, and experience greater levels of connection with their family, friends and community.

One important practice we can do to begin dealing with climate stress and grief is to identify the specific stressors and losses we are experiencing due to climate change. Naming one specific loss is a way to start feeling emotions, which can help you to take action and feel a greater sense of connection. The loss could be a particular change to your property — a tree that has died, a creek that has dried up — or a place you used to visit that flooded or a particular species that has gone extinct. Focusing on one loss at a time and acknowledging the gratitude and the grief for that place, plant or animal can be helpful.

Addressing climate grief can be challenging, but there are strategies to cope with its emotional impact:

1. Connect with others:
   
   • Share your feelings with friends, family or support groups. Talking about your experiences, especially with other producers, can provide relief and help you feel less alone. Social connectedness is one of our most important protective factors and can help mitigate the intensity of grief.
     
2. Seek professional help:
   
   • Consider therapy or counseling. Mental health professionals can guide you through coping strategies and provide emotional support.
     
3. Practice self-care:
   
   • Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation or spending time in nature.
   • Limit exposure to distressing climate news if it affects your well-being.
     
4. Take action:
   
   • Channel your emotions into positive action. Advocate for climate solutions, participate in community initiatives or support environmental organizations.
     
5. Educate yourself:
   
   • Learn about climate science and solutions. Understanding the issues can empower you to make informed choices.

It is normal to feel grief and stress. Producers might experience more weather-related stresses than the general population. Seeking help and support can lessen the impact of climate stress and grief and help individuals navigate the future.

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