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Comment by tejohnso | Hacker News Reader

You're not alone. Eco-anxiety is real and a growing problem. If you search that term, you might find something helpful.

I've seen suggestions that people will go through the typical five stages of grief, ending with acceptance.

I've been stuck in the first state for over a decade. With loss of a loved one, they are gone and you can move on (either to a new partner, or 'move on' to join your lost partner).

With loss of a planet, not so much. The grieving doesn't end, because the destruction doesn't end.

Thank you. You’re the first person who actually tried to help.

Your anxiety might come from a feeling of uncertainty of what is to come and helplessness in face of that. In my opinion self-efficacy works wonders for mental health, so maybe pick a job or other activity actually trying to work against the world going down the drain (or at least giving you the feeling that you do) instead of accepting that it is "invariably" happening.

It certainly does come from a place of uncertainty. I'm trying to work in the space industry in an effort to feel like I'm positively affecting humanity, but I'm not currently having a lot of luck.

No, the other advice is actually more helpful. Rather, this is the first who validated your anxiety.

Both are important.

I have found Gaianism (http://gaianism.org/) to help a lot, by providing structure and rituals to cope with the situation.

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