I feel deep sadness about bird flu and environmental loss. Is this normal?

In Sydney, Australia, beloved animals face threats once more due to the H5N1 strain of bird flu, with scientists anticipating further ecological loss. This news may be overwhelming, especially after witnessing numerous environmental disasters like algal blooms, coral bleaching, floods, and fires. Researchers study ecological grief, the deep sadness experienced when nature is lost, and climate emotions, human reactions to the climate crisis.

These responses vary, ranging from sadness and anger to avoidance of bad news. They are often tied to specific places, species, and memories, leading to coexistence of grief with awe, pride, belonging, and care.

Ecological grief is a natural response to witnessing harm to loved places and species, whether directly or through news and social media. It's crucial to practice support, connection, and care to cope with this ongoing grief. However, expressing these feelings can be challenging, as society often dismisses or minimizes them. Grief literacy, understanding grief and knowing how to support ourselves and others, can help.

This may involve talking with others who share similar feelings, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative activities like art.

Communities worldwide are coming together to support those grappling with ecological loss. In Australia, organizations like Psychology for a Safe Climate offer mental health professionals and climate cafes for individuals to share concerns. Indigenous peoples have valuable knowledge and practices for dealing with drastic changes to their environments, which should be respected and reciprocated.

Organizations like the Good Grief Network and Radical Joy run peer-to-peer programs and invite people to create beauty in a wounded place.

Acknowledging and expressing feelings like ecological grief is essential for sustaining our efforts in addressing pressing environmental challenges. By making space for grief, we open opportunities for care, connection, and action, enabling us to focus on small, achievable changes while maintaining a big-picture perspective.