In a small country where we’re constantly treated by cold winds, endless rain and overcast skies, a few days of warm weather is a treasured time for us. We become happier, our mental health improves and we’re more likely to have a good time.

Cute picnics, day trips to the beach and basking in the warm evenings over outdoor dinners are all causes for celebration. After all, we used to only get a handful of days warm enough to go outside without a cardigan (or even a coat), so normally, sunny days are a momentous occasion.

However, with the climate crisis firmly on the world stage and polarising weather changes just hours apart, summer now comes with an increased sense of eco-anxiety.

In July 2022, the UK faced record-breaking heat with some places recording temperatures over 40°C. A study by Imperial College London found that the heatwave was made “10 times more likely due to human-induced climate change.” 

Average global temperatures have risen by more than 1°C since the 1850s, according to the Met Office, with this change increasing the risk of heatwaves, floods, droughts and fires.

Every hot day comes with two questions: do we enjoy it or is it evidence of climate change getting increasingly worrisome? This has been exacerbated by the unrelenting heatwave in Europe, the wildfires in Rhodes that have left tourists stranded and wildly changeable weather in the UK, where researchers predict that a heatwave is unlikely this year.

With the effects of climate change becoming starker each year, eco-related stress, anxiety and worries are riding high.  A survey by the Woodland Trust found that one in three young people in Britain are scared about climate change, while 28% are feeling overwhelmed by the situation. 

“The recent news [about the weather changes] has had many people expressing fear about the extent of the problem, anger that this has happened and grief related to a sense of loss,” Dr Sarah Bishop, an HCPC clinical psychologist, tells Stylist.

“This isn’t just about those who have lost their lives and homes [to the wildfire] but also the sense of loss of a previous sense of safety and stability in the world.”

As well as that, we’re also dealing with the effects of a disappointing summer, where the weather hasn’t given us much to play with. Dreary days with no end in sight can be difficult to deal with, but it’s a hard balance when the news shows wildfires and scorching heatwaves a few hours away from us. 

“The lack of sunshine in the UK can impact our mental health as it can disrupt the production of serotonin, which is linked to mood regulation. We also tend to get outside less on dreary days, doing less in terms of physical activities, which can lead to a sense of confinement and boredom,” says Dr Bishop.

“If we have this low mindset coupled with worry about climate change, it could lead to us feeling even worse in terms of our mental health.”

It’s completely normal to feel conflicted and overwhelmed with everything going on. One way to deal with anxiety is by acknowledging your feelings and coming up with ways to address them. Dr Bishop recommends putting boundaries in place.

“If everything causes significant anxiety it might be important to limit exposure to distressing news,” she tells Stylist. “This does not mean ignoring the problem but setting boundaries around time spent on news and instead taking some practical action in line with your values, which may include making sustainable lifestyle choices.”

She also says to try and look at things from a long-term perspective: “Climate change is a complex issue and progress can take time. Change is gradual and every step towards sustainability counts.”

Research has shown that seasonal affective disorder (also known as seasonal depression) is affected by climate change. Long spells of dreary weather, climate anxiety and already low moods can be a difficult mix to endure – you may find today tougher than usual.

“For individuals whose mood is significantly impacted by the weather, a dreary summer will certainly present extra challenges,” says Dr Bishop.

There’s no doubt that our perceptions of summer have started to change. Gone are the days when we would celebrate weeks of hot weather or even be happy at the occasional rainy day in July giving us some respite. Instead, every twist and turn in the weather is going to be met by dread and fear of what climate change is bringing us. 

If you’re someone who needs some inspiration for coping with the increased anxiety, Dr Bishop says to try to improve your mood by using means that don’t rely simply on sunlight.

“Things like light therapy, exercise and being in green spaces have all been supported by scientific studies and so as pessimistic and down as you might feel, they are definitely worth giving a try,” she tells Stylist. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health – or you know someone who is – you can find support and resources on mental health charity Mind’s website or see the NHS’s list of mental health helplines and organisations.

Images: Getty