Heatwaves are more than just a nuisance; they can be a catalyst for profound anxiety and distress. For Tavia Watts, a stay-at-home mom in Cheltenham, this was brought to the forefront during the June heatwave, the warmest on record in England. Her children's bedrooms reached temperatures above 30C, triggering a cascade of emotions and a sense of helplessness. The situation is not unique to Tavia; a 2022 study from the University of Bath estimates that approximately 4.6% of people in the UK experience climate anxiety, a form of mental distress recognized by professional bodies and the NHS. This anxiety is particularly prevalent among young people and women, according to a 2025 study.
Psychologists Dr. Caroline Hickman and Dr. Emma Lawrance from the University of Bath and Oxford, respectively, have observed a rise in "anticipatory anxiety" related to heatwaves. This anxiety is not just about the immediate heat but also the fear of future heatwaves, leading to a sense of helplessness and a lack of trust in the world. Hickman noted that during the June heatwave, she heard from individuals contemplating extreme actions, such as suicide, terminating pregnancies, and selling homes to move to cooler climates.
Tavia's Instagram video, which received over 18,000 likes and 1,700 reposts, highlighted the widespread impact of climate anxiety. Her words resonated with many, including therapists who offered coping mechanisms. Tavia's response to her video was a call to action, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond doomism. She encouraged people to channel their anxiety into positive actions, such as signing petitions, organizing climate community events, and making lifestyle changes, like becoming vegetarian.
Dr. Lawrance provided practical advice for managing climate anxiety. She suggested talking to others to bridge the perception gap between personal concern and public awareness. Creating space for self-care and tending to one's emotions is crucial, as climate anxiety stems from a place of care for the world. Finding a supportive community that shares similar values and taking collective action can be incredibly powerful. Whether it's planting a garden or installing solar panels, these actions not only help the environment but also provide a sense of control and purpose.
Physical health also plays a significant role in managing climate anxiety. Lawrance recommended staying physically cool during extreme heat, such as taking cool showers, using cold washcloths on the neck, and ensuring proper hydration. These simple measures can significantly impact one's mental and physical well-being, demonstrating that individuals are not powerless in the face of climate change.
