Despair

It feels so dark and my strength is becoming depleted.

It is understandable to feel climate despair because the problems are so immense. Despair can connect us to our powerful wish for change.

It is important to remember that despair is not the same as total hopelessness: despair can be a part of mood changes in an otherwise resilient person. If despair persists or becomes hopelessness, psychological help is needed.

Question: How to make space for my despair, allow it to flow, and continue to work for a better world?

Action

Look for what is still possible

When everything feels hopeless, find one example of people making progress. Join something local, help care for a place you love, or talk with someone who gives you perspective. You do not need to solve everything to contribute.
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Why despair happens

Despair can show up when the scale of climate change makes it seem like nothing will improve. But climate outcomes are not all-or-nothing. Every fraction of warming avoided and every community protected still matters.
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Learn

Hope can come back

Some young people have gone through periods when climate change made the future feel hopeless. Their experiences show that despair can shift, especially through connection, action, and seeing other people working toward change.

Stories

Hear some stories

The Weather Within is not a crisis service, but support is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

If you need immediate emotional support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line. Support is available 24/7.

In Crisis? Get Support

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