Do you suffer from solastalgia?

Solastalgia is a relatively new concept, coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht in 2005 to indicate the grief felt when the physical world as you know it, changes.

As sustainability professionals, it's hard not to feel anxious, angry, and overwhelmed by the news of yet another devastating flood and wildfire.

So what can you do to overcome or at least manage solastalgia?

Here are a few suggestions:

• From grief and anger to action. How can you contribute to a better world? Is there something practical that you can do to support the causes you believe in and channel the energy contained in your anger into something positive?
• If you recognise you suffer from solastalgia and that it prevents you from functioning normally, seek professional help.
• If it affects you, but you can still have fun and enjoy your life, try journalling and talking to people who feel like you. Getting together and brainstorming ideas to do something about it can be a great way to channel your emotions into something positive.
• Do not read the news every day. Yes, it feels a bit like putting your head in the sand, but feeling depressed and helpless does not help the planet.
• In fact, if you want to change the world and inspire others to do the same, you have to keep "active hope", working towards a better future together with other like-minded people. That means taking care of your physical and mental health focusing on what you can control, and letting go of anything you can't.

Do you have any other suggestions for managing solastalgia? 

I'd love to hear them.