Dear students, <\/p>\n\n
In this newsletter, we would like to give you some thoughts on dealing with climate anxiety. On March 25, we were back on the streets demonstrating for peace and (climate) justice. During such global climate strikes, we often feel a special energy: we feel less alone with our fears<\/strong> and despair<\/strong> and briefly forget our feelings of powerlessness<\/strong>. This gives us renewed strength and hope<\/strong> \u270a <\/p>\n\n However, we may well feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by the climate and biodiversity crisis, as well as other major crises<\/strong> of our time (not least the pandemic and the war in Ukraine). <\/em><\/p>\n\n A comprehensive answer to these questions is of course beyond the scope of this newsletter, but it is important to us to point you to a selection of possible assistance \ud83e\udd17<\/p>\n\n In recent years, various terms have been used to describe the range of psychological stress <\/strong>caused by environmental change and destruction. Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasized in its latest assessment report (February 2022) that climate adaptation measures must take into account, among other things, the psychological consequences of climate change, as this leads to increasing psychological challenges, stress and anxiety \ud83d\ude14 <\/p>\n\n The climate crisis is already leading to post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, <\/strong>especially among communities affected by extreme weather events or evictions. MAPA<\/strong> (“Most Affected People & Areas<\/em>“) are experiencing direct traumatic experiences such as destruction, loss or abandonment of their homes. The word “solastalgia<\/em>” precisely describes the pain and grief caused by the loss of one’s own environment and sense of security (Albrecht, 2006). <\/p>\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f What is MAPA? <\/a> <\/p>\n\n In particular, people who are intensively involved in the climate and biodiversity crisis, climate justice and sustainability often feel burdened by various unpleasant feelings: Hopelessness, overwhelm, anger against inaction, sadness, powerlessness, despair,… These different facets of climate anxiety are often triggered and strengthened by information overload<\/strong>. We therefore think it is important to point out these tips for conscious and targeted news consumption <\/a>, which are still very topical \ud83d\udcf2 <\/p>\n\n \ud83c\udfac Climate anxiety & Co. – The psychological consequences of the climate crisis – Hannah Klenk – Public Climate School<\/a> <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udcc4 Climate anxiety: How we deal emotionally with the climate crisis – Spektrum der Wissenschaft<\/a><\/p>\n\n From conversations in our circles, we have recently noticed that uncertainties and fears about our present and future often lead us to question the purpose of our own studies and commitment. What am I doing \/ studying for anyway?<\/em><\/strong> The topic is becoming increasingly present, especially among students who deal a lot with sustainability and questions of the great transformation \ud83e\udd14 If this is also the case for you, you can contact the university’s student advisory service <\/strong>, for example, or take advantage of one of the support and advice<\/strong> services offered by Psychologists and Psychotherapists for Future (see below). <\/p>\n\n “The worst moment for me is when I keep realizing that all our crises are somehow connected. It is this <\/em>Complexity<\/em><\/strong>which overwhelms me. The feeling of being stuck in a dead end. Sometimes I have the impression that <\/em>more hopeless<\/em><\/strong> the more I learn about the state of our planet and our society. Over the last few months, I have learned to <\/em>Coping mechanisms<\/em><\/strong> to these unpleasant feelings: for example, I really enjoy listening to podcasts, but I don’t feel like listening to podcasts about sustainability or the climate. I’m afraid that I’ll be triggered by them again, even though some podcasts actually convey positive messages. Basically <\/em>avoid<\/em><\/strong> I want to deal with the climate and biodiversity crisis even more. That’s why I realized that I want to and should find a way to deal with global crises and information overload. How can I transform this fear into strength to continue my commitment? That feels like a <\/em>Process<\/em><\/strong>which will accompany me my whole life. So far, I have identified the following aspects that <\/em>for me<\/em><\/strong> in a healthy approach to the climate crisis and other global crises.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n \u26a0\ufe0f Disclaimer: these coping strategies are in no way a substitute for professional support, but are intended for low-threshold self-care. It is important that everyone finds their own approaches that work best for them. <\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udea6 take care of my resources<\/strong>: Where do I put my energy? How can I create balance through breaks and leisure activities? <\/em>It is not at all selfish to withdraw and leave tasks to others. “Of course, self-care does not exclude caring for others and the planet”<\/em> (from the episode “Self-care<\/em>” of the podcast “Klima im Kopf<\/em>“) <\/p>\n\n Link the “energy level check” <\/em>to a specific action in everyday life: e.g. if you have to wait at a red light, ask yourself what your current energy level is for various activities. <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udd90\ufe0f <\/strong> Experience self-efficacy<\/strong>: where can & do I want to get involved? <\/em>At local, regional, global level…<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udd1d Prioritize<\/strong> your own commitment: how much of my time do I want to dedicate to a project? <\/em>I don’t have to get involved in all kinds of activities if I realize that it’s getting too much.<\/em> In this case, quality is more important to me than quantity. <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udcfb pay attention to my news consumption<\/strong>: Where & how long a day do I inform myself?<\/em> Pay attention to unconscious coping mechanisms such as avoidance \/ suppression!<\/p>\n\n \u270d\ufe0f Processing feelings<\/strong> e.g. through mindfulness exercises, journaling, artistic activities (collage, handicrafts,…), time in nature,…<\/p>\n\n In this introduction to climate anxiety – Psychologists for Future<\/a> you can find exciting ideas on how to deal with anxiety, not only on an individual<\/strong> level, but also on a group<\/strong> and societal<\/strong> level<\/strong>. As we wrote in the first newsletter on exam anxiety, “<\/strong>stress shared is stress halved<\/em>“. Especially if you feel overwhelmed, it can help to have the courage to share<\/strong> your fears <\/strong>with others. Especially in engagement groups, there can be too little time for sharing when you are busy with planning, organizing, requests, public relations and so on. It can be very helpful and reassuring<\/strong> to consciously take time to talk about worries<\/strong> and uncertainties<\/strong>. You will soon learn that you are no longer alone as a lone fighter \ud83e\udd1d <\/p>\n\n The Leuphana Student Advisory Service<\/a> offers open consultation hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as individual consultations. <\/p>\n\n The Psychologists & Psychotherapists for Future <\/em>(Psy4F) have compiled numerous tips on how to deal emotionally with the climate crisis<\/strong> as well as specific questions for self-reflection.<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udcdd Promoting climate resilience – 14 strategies for dealing emotionally with the climate crisis<\/a><\/p>\n\n Here is an introduction and a self-care<\/strong> worksheet to help you take care of your basic needs and regenerate your energy for your commitment. <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udcdd The 10 pillars of self-care<\/a><\/p>\n\n Open discussion groups by Psychologists for Future: on the 21st of each month (via Zoom)<\/p>\n\n Info & Registration \u27a1\ufe0f Support for committed people – Psychologists for Future<\/a><\/p>\n\n If you would like to organize a workshop or lecture in your group, you are welcome to contact this e-mail address \u27a1\ufe0f veranstaltungen@psychologistsforfuture.org<\/a> <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udcac Free advice on climate and activism issues (no diagnosis is made and it does not replace therapy). Counseling request to beratung@psychologistsforfuture.org<\/a> <\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udcf2 Telegram channel Mindfulness for Committed People<\/a> Every two weeks, committed people meet to exchange ideas about mindfulness & activism around topics such as resilience & self-care<\/em><\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udce9 Newsletter – Psychologists for Future<\/a><\/p>\n\n \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Podcast: Klima im Kopf – Der Psychologists for Future Podcast \ud83d\udcd7 Book: Climate action – Psychology of the climate crisis: barriers to action and opportunities for action. <\/em>Available via Lux<\/a> <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Trigger warning: <\/strong>This newsletter deals with the topic of performance pressure and exam stress.<\/p>\n\n Note: <\/strong>The contents of this newsletter have been compiled by students for students. We make no claim to completeness, nor does this newsletter represent an alternative to professional advice. We would like to raise awareness and sensitize people to mental health issues. Professional counseling centers and emergency contact details can be found below. <\/p>\n\n Newsletter #1 of the AStA working group Mental Health – Healthy through the exam phase \ud83d\udcdd<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Dear students,<\/p>\n\n In this newsletter, we would like to give you some thoughts on the topic of mental health during the exam phase. Even in a normal semester, these weeks of study are always a major challenge and often associated with stress. In a pandemic that has been going on for two years, these effects are automatically amplified. <\/p>\n\n The good thing is that no one is alone and together we can try to support each other as best we can. \ud83e\udd1d<\/p>\n\n Learning and writing together<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Stress shared is stress halved. Many people find it helpful to talk to fellow students when preparing for exams. Firstly, because we can support each other in our studies and secondly, because it can often be very reassuring to talk about fears and uncertainties about the exams. This may be difficult at first, but you will see that your fellow students are struggling with the same worries as you are. <\/p>\n\n Get a few friends together and use either the workstations on campus<\/a> or one of our Zoom rooms <\/a>for your group meeting.<\/p>\n\n Leisure activities & breaks – creating a balance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The right rhythm is just as important as studying for an exam. Many students use the so-called Pomodoro technique to establish a good balance between studying and breaks. <\/p>\n\n We have presented these and other learning methods<\/a> on our website.<\/p>\n\n At the same time, you should also make sure that you don’t miss out on longer breaks and leisure activities during the exam period. If you don’t yet know what you can do to pass the time, just take a look at our calendar of events.<\/a> <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n Good to know to take the pressure off<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Many uncertainties and fears can often be resolved by talking to someone who really listens. You can come to the university’s student advisory service with all your questions! Whether you have doubts about your degree course, are unsure about planning your modules – but also have questions about learning techniques, stress management and exam stress, you’ve come to the right place. The Student Advisory Service offers open consultation hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as individual consultations<\/a>. <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n More info<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The Studierendenwerk has also published a helpful handout on the topic of “exam anxiety”. You can find the flyer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n events<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Long night of writing <\/a><\/p>\n\n Writing marathon <\/a><\/p>\n\n Open consultation hours of the writing center <\/a><\/p>\n\nClimate anxiety, “Solastalgia”, Weltschmerz & Co: the psychological consequences of the climate and biodiversity crisis. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
Desperation in studies & commitment <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
Experience report & tips for dealing with global crises<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
Here is some helpful information: “<\/strong>Self-care for world care<\/em><\/strong>” <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n
events<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
Resources<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
Newsletter #1 of the AStA Mental Health Working Group: Healthy through the exam phase \ud83e\udde0\ud83d\udcdd<\/h2>\n\n