Literature Review on the state of eco-anxiety in Bulgaria

Association FOR YOU, Bulgaria, 2024/5

General awareness of and views on the phenomenon of eco-anxiety

According to Nikolay Petkov from the environmental NGO “Za Zemiata” (translation- For the Earth), following his online survey of 23 school students in 2022, climate anxiety is a mission impossible in Bulgaria (Videv, 2022). Despite some growing registered interest, Bulgaria is among the countries where young people show little interest in the topic and do not feel distressed. „Among youth and students in Bulgaria, there is rather apathy toward these issues“- further shares Nikolay Petkov (Videv, 2022). Information is scarce and incomplete, primarily explaining the phenomenon of eco-anxiety (Ninova, 2021; Thrift Sheep, 2022) and providing statistics from other countries  (Grazia Bulgaria & Vlahovska, 2022). The problem, to the extent it is addressed, is discussed in articles and podcasts. Eco-anxiety is indeed existing in Bulgaria, as seen by the online survey of  Thrift Sheep (2022) among the followers of their Instagram profile with eco-friendly content. However, at large, it is not the main focus of the people and it is taken lightly.

Generally, eco-anxiety is recognized as a valid emotional response to environmental challenges and climate change (Ninova, 2021; Thrift Sheep, 2022). It is often discussed in a context that acknowledges the psychological impact of environmental issues on individuals, particularly young people who may feel overwhelmed or distressed by the scale of global environmental problems (Grazia Bulgaria & Vlahovska, 2022). Eco-anxiety is mostly approached with sensitivity and understanding in public discourse, recognizing it as a response to environmental issues in need of compassionate support and effective solutions (Thrift Sheep, 2022; Patronova, 2022).

Experiences of Bulgarian youth with eco-anxiety

Bulgaria is among the countries where young people often show limited interest and concern regarding climate change and environmental issues (Videv, 2022). While specific research on the general youth population in Bulgaria is lacking, anecdotal evidence suggests that these topics are not perceived as primary priorities among Bulgarian youth. It is very probable that youth from areas that suffered floods, fires and earthquakes (which are not a rare event in the country) might suffer from a form of eco-anxiety but there are no studies on their psychological condition.  

Unlike in some other countries where climate activism and environmental awareness have gained significant traction among young people, Bulgaria faces challenges in engaging its youth on these critical issues. The lack of comprehensive studies further complicates efforts to understand the depth of this apathy or indifference.

Youth in Bulgaria may be influenced by several factors contributing to this apparent disinterest. Economic concerns, political priorities, and cultural attitudes towards environmental responsibility all play a role in shaping perceptions and behaviors. Educational curricula and public discourse often prioritize other societal issues over environmental sustainability. This results in a limited understanding and appreciation for the urgency of climate action among the younger generation. 

In conclusion, while the issue of climate change is recognized in Bulgaria, it remains a secondary concern for many young people. More research and concerted efforts are needed to foster a greater sense of responsibility and activism among Bulgarian youth towards environmental sustainability.

Мain factors and causes contributing to the development of ecoanxiety 

There are no representative studies concerning the drivers of eco-anxiety  specifically in Bulgaria. The literature rather focuses on known and general causes- extreme weather events, waste and pollution, biodiversity loss, insufficient drinkable water, and others (Thrift Sheep, 2022.) Youth from areas subjected to extreme weather events might experience eco-anxiety, however, there is no available research on the topic. 

Nevertheless, there are studies among youth addressing anxiety in general, such as from the National Network for the Children (2023). The latter largely attributes anxiety among young people to the “fake world” teenagers see on social media. Manipulated images leave them feeling inadequate and fearing others’ opinion because they fail to conform. The psychotherapist Antonia Malcheva further describes: “The gap between real financial capabilities and the requirements to achieve this ‘standard’ brings a high level of dissatisfaction and anger to young individuals” (National Network for the Children, 2023).

Main symptoms and manifestations 

While in Bulgaria specific studies on eco-anxiety among youth are lacking, more general symptoms and manifestations associated with the condition typically include feelings of fear, worry, and stress related to environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Individuals experiencing eco-anxiety may exhibit behaviors like avoidance of environmental topics, increased distress during environmental events or news coverage, and a sense of helplessness about the future (Grazia Bulgaria & Vlahovska, 2022).

As previously mentioned, Bulgarian youth may be more focused on immediate socioeconomic challenges, health and personal goals rather than environmental concerns (Dnes+, 2024). They may not feel directly impacted by environmental issues or may not see their individual actions as influential in global environmental outcomes.

The team from association “FOR YOU” has implemented the following question in their research: 

How do you feel about the fact that we are facing serious climate and environmental problems and challenges?

• I believe solutions to these problems will be found.

• I want to learn more about the problems and be involved in solving them.

• Existing solutions cannot solve environmental problems and humanity is doomed.

• There’s no point in taking action; people don’t care about nature.

• I don’t see what the big deal is about these problems
  

Figure 1: Answers to the question How do you feel about the fact that we are facing serious climate and environmental problems and challenges?

From the graph above it can be seen that the majority of the participants (24/54) believe that solutions to environmental challenges will be found. While almost 13 % of the respondents believe that existing solutions cannot solve environmental problems, and humanity is doomed and almost 0.6 % believe there is no point in taking actions.

Some coping mechanisms and strategies 

Consciously, but without a developed strategy for dealing with eco-anxiety and mitigating its effects, many young people are starting businesses focused on addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development (Neshova, n.d.). Coping mechanisms and strategies adopted by youth to manage eco-anxiety include engagement in activism and advocacy, participating in community environmental projects, and seeking solace in nature through activities like hiking or gardening. Building supportive networks and communities of like-minded individuals who share their concerns can also provide emotional support and a sense of empowerment (Thrift Sheep, 2022; Patronova, 2022). Despite the absence of formal strategies, these adaptive behaviors reflect a proactive approach among young people in Bulgaria towards addressing eco-anxiety and its associated challenges.

References

Thriftsheep. (2022, октомври 12). ЕКО ТРЕВОЖНОСТ, СОЛАСТАЛГИЯ и ЗАЩО СЕ СТРАХУВАМЕ? Thrift Sheep. https://thriftsheep.com/2022/10/12/eco-anxiety/ /  Thriftsheep. (2022, October 12). ECO ANXIETY, SOLASTALGY and WHY ARE WE AFRAID?. Thrift Sheep. https://thriftsheep.com/2022/10/12/eco-anxiety/

Видев, Д. (2022, юни 4). Климатичната тревожност – мисия невъзможна в България. Dnes.dir.bg. https://dnes.dir.bg/dir-podcast/klimatichnata-trevozhnost-misiya-nevazmozhna-v-balgariya /  Videv, D. (2022, June 4). Climate anxiety- mission impossible in Bulgaria. Dnes.dir.bg. https://dnes.dir.bg/dir-podcast/klimatichnata-trevozhnost-misiya-nevazmozhna-v-balgariya

Grazia Bulgaria, & Влаховска,. Е. (2022, май 7). Страдаме ли от еко тревожност? . Grazia Bulgaria. https://www.graziaonline.bg/lifestyle/psychology/18525/stradame-li-ot-eko-trevozhnost Grazia Bulgaria, & Vlahovska, E. V. Do we suffer from eco-anxiety? . Grazia Bulgaria. https://www.graziaonline.bg/lifestyle/psychology/18525/stradame-li-ot-eko-trevozhnost 

Днес+. (2024, януари 27). За младите в София, Благоевград и Русе най-важен е здравословният начин на живот. Dnesplus. https://dnesplus.bg/bulgaria/za-mladite-v-sofia-blagoevgrad-i-ruse-nay-vazhen-e-zdravoslovniyat-nachin-na-zhivot_1146042 / Dnes+. (2024, January 27). For the youth in Sofia, Blagoevgrad and Ruse, a healthy way of life is the most important. Dnesplus. https://dnesplus.bg/bulgaria/za-mladite-v-sofia-blagoevgrad-i-ruse-nay-vazhen-e-zdravoslovniyat-nachin-na-zhivot_1146042

Национална Мрежа За Децата. (2023, август 24). Тийнейджъри в капана на социалната тревожност. Национална Мрежа За Децата. https://nmd.bg/tijnejdzhari-v-kapana-na-soczialnata-trevozhnost/  / National Network for the Children. (2023, August 24). Teenagers in the trap of social anxiety. National Network for the Children. https://nmd.bg/tijnejdzhari-v-kapana-na-soczialnata-trevozhnost/  

Нешовска, Л. (н.д.) Какво е екотревожност и каква е ролята на бизнеса в справянето с това състояние? esgnews.bg. https://esgnews.bg/kakvo-e-eko-trevozhnost-i-kakva-e-rolyata-na-biznesa-v-spravyaneto-s-tova-sastoyanie-2/ / Neshovska, L. (n.d.). What is eco-anxiety and what is the role of the business in tackling this state? esgnews.bg. https://esgnews.bg/kakvo-e-eko-trevozhnost-i-kakva-e-rolyata-na-biznesa-v-spravyaneto-s-tova-sastoyanie-2/

Нинова, Д-р. Г. (2021, ноември 26). Еко-тревожност – психично разстройство, породено от промените в околната среда. puls.bg. https://www.puls.bg/eko-sreda-c-43/eko-trevozhnost-psikhichno-razstroistvo-porodeno-ot-promenite-v-okolnata-sreda-n-42925 /  Ninova, D.G. (2021, November 26).  Eco-anxiety- psychological disorder caused by environmental changes. puls.bg. https://www.puls.bg/eko-sreda-c-43/eko-trevozhnost-psikhichno-razstroistvo-porodeno-ot-promenite-v-okolnata-sreda-n-42925

Патронова, Т. (2022, декември 1). Как да се справим с еко-тревожността? Bgonair. https://www.bgonair.bg/a/163-lyubopitno/257335-kak-da-se-spravim-s-eko-trevozhnostta / Patronova, T. (2022, December 1). How to deal with eco-anxiety?.  Bgonair. https://www.bgonair.bg/a/163-lyubopitno/257335-kak-da-se-spravim-s-eko-trevozhnostta