Through reading the three chapters by Britt Wray, I am astonished at the thought-provoking exploration of the psychology of climate change. For Chapter 1, I loved how Wray introduced the concept of the “psychoterratic state,” referring to the psychological response individuals face to ecological crises. I find her exploration to be enlightening and deeply unsettling regarding eco-anxiety in its emotional and cognitive processes, as it showcases the reality of the existential dread many people experience with climate change and ecological collapse. What especially captivated me was the argument that these emotional responses to climate change are valid and important for driving personal and social change. When we take these types of issues into …show more content…
One of the key takeaways that resonated with me deeply is how eco-anxiety is not a “monolithic” ideology, but ranges on a spectrum from mild to severe, including different symptoms occurring at each level. This reminds me that it is important to recognize and validate the diverse emotions people experience and use these obstacles to find possible solutions to overcoming environmental stress factors. Including this topic is Wray’s examination of eco-stress intersectionality, accepting how social, cultural, and economic aspects intersect with environmental issues to heighten feelings of anxiety and stress, and emphasizing the need for community activism and collaboration to address eco-stress and face environmental challenges. Lastly, in Chapter 5, I was fascinated with how it focuses on showcasing the reality of eco-anxiety from a first-person perspective. In his eyes, the overwhelming consequences of climate change had made him spiral into depression and an inability to function normally from the obsessive consumption of climate change news and stories of societal