S3 E5: Eco-Grief: Why Loving Nature Can Hurt - and What To Do About It [EXTENDED DIVE]

As climate change, coral bleaching and biodiversity loss dominate the news, many people are experiencing something psychologists now call eco-grief or climate anxiety — the emotional response to witnessing environmental change.To unpack the connection between mental health, climate change and our relationship with nature - this week we're joined by Dr Chloe Watfern, an artist and postdoctoral psychology researcher with the University of New South Wales and the Black Dog Institute, who lives on Magnetic Island on the Great Barrier Reef.We'll cover:Why environmental grief and climate anxiety are normal human responsesHow creativity can help people process ecological lossHow to stay engaged in climate action without burning outHow parents can talk to children about climate change without overwhelming themThe mental health benefits of spending time in nature and the oceanIt’s an honest, thoughtful and ultimately hopeful conversation about loving the places that matter to us — even when they’re under threat.Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wordonthereefpodcastMORE INFO:Writing Through Eco-Grief Workshop: Cairns, Tue 24th March 2026, 6pm-7:30pm.EcoMinds Open Letter by mental health professionals - Climate science, not climate silence: Safe, accurate climate education helps, not harms, young Australians’ mental health.Psychology for a Safe ClimateClimate Cafe EventsSupport the showHelp Keep Word on the Reef Afloat!Please take 2 minutes to fill out our Word on the Reef Listener Survey to help us apply for funding for the show!PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National StatementAustralian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate ChangeGreenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!WWF Australia: Protect NatureRising Tide: ...