#30 Eco-Anxiety and Psychiatry with Dr. Carson Brown

Most of us feel helpless when facing climate anxiety, but what if simpler, accessible practices could transform despair into hope—and even spark collective action? Dr. Carson Brown reveals how grounding ourselves in gratitude, embracing grief, and taking small, intentional steps can reignite your connection to the planet and your community. If you're overwhelmed by eco-anxiety or stuck in feelings of helplessness, this episode offers a mental health-driven framework to turn those emotions into empowering change.In this deep dive, we explore how climate change impacts mental health across all ages—highlighting recent studies showing 60% of youth are living with significant climate distress. Dr. Brown explains the rising phenomena of eco-anxiety and how understanding its roots can alleviate feelings of despair. You’ll discover the surprising effects of heat waves on medications, the importance of integrated therapy and medication management, and how climate justice and social systems intersect with personal well-being.We'll break down the practical tools from Joanna Macy’s "The Work That Reconnects" and how practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and honoring pain serve as gateways from feeling frozen to moving forward. Dr. Brown shares effective ways to lower barriers to community involvement—emphasizing that even small actions, like upcycling or supporting local initiatives, contribute to a larger collective effort. Learn how to bridge the gap between feeling overwhelmed and taking meaningful, sustainable steps—without guilt or perfectionism.Whether you're feeling numb, angry, or hopeless about the future, this episode provides a compassionate roadmap to reconnect emotionally and spiritually, turning climate grief into compassionate action. Perfect for mental health professionals, activists, parents, or anyone ready to find resilience amid chaos—this is your guide to turning eco-anxiety into active hope.Dr. Carson Brown is a holistic psychiatrist based in Minneapolis, known for integrating community-centered approaches with climate-aware mental health practices. Her work emphasizes the power of grounding, grief work, and collective action to foster resilience in times of ecological and social upheaval.ADDITIONAL LINKS from Dr. BrownLearn more about Dr.Brownhttps://workthatreconnects.org/https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/hospicing-modernity/https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/28/18629833/climate-change-2019-green-new-dealhttps://www.activehope.info/Links for Ryanne: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Ryanne on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule in Minnesota with Ryanne⁠⁠ - Learn more about Ryanne here!