Diane Brown's Battle with Eco-Anxiety: A Journey to Recovery
It was like I've just suddenly realized all my family, all my friends, my son.
Imagine being a well-being coach, dedicated to helping others manage their stress, only to find yourself suddenly overwhelmed by severe eco-anxiety. That's exactly what happened to Diane Brown. In this episode of 'Human Reboot', host Emma Last sits down with Diane to discuss her unexpected struggle with eco-anxiety and the steps she took towards recovery. Diane's story is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their training or experience.
She shares how her deep concern for climate change spiraled into severe anxiety and depression, leaving her feeling like she was in her own emergency situation. Diane talks candidly about the moment she realized the problem was too big for her to solve alone and how this realization triggered a rapid decline in her mental health.
She opens up about her journey to seek help, including a pivotal visit to the doctor that led to her diagnosis and the beginning of her recovery. Throughout the conversation, Diane emphasizes the importance of self-care, physical activity, and accepting one's limits. She also discusses the psychological mechanisms humans have for self-protection and how denial can sometimes play a role in mental health struggles.
This episode is a heartfelt and authentic look at the impact of eco-anxiety and offers valuable insights into managing stress and burnout. Whether you're dealing with similar feelings or simply looking for ways to prioritize your mental well-being, Diane's story is both relatable and inspiring.