Spinning Out: Climate Change, Mental Health and Fighting for a Better Future

by Charlie Hertzog Young

Spinning Out is an urgent, eye-opening study by leading climate change activist, researcher and writer that draws on the latest research and evidence to unravel systemic ways that climate change is driving people mad - and show how we can find inspiration in that madness.

In 2019, climate activist Charlie Hertzog Young attempted suicide, following a succession of breakdowns. He jumped off a six-storey building, resulting in the loss of both legs. He spent a month in a coma, lost his flat and woke up without a job. In rebuilding his life physically and emotionally, Charlie saw that the climate crisis and mental illness are inextricably linked and, equally, little understood.

In this reflective, wise and darkly humorous account of his own recovery, he explores how his bipolarity was largely driven by climate change and identifies the ways in which our culture has led to the current crisis. He shows how climate chaos is ubiquitous, unpredictable and mediated through vast inequalities of power; how climate disaster is responsible for many times more mental health conditions than physical ailments; how our minds aren't built to deal with such threats; and how modern society isn't fit to support those suffering as a result.

Spinning Out is more than a call to arms - it's a manual for anyone who wants to fight for a better world and avoid the pitfalls of despair. It draws on the experience of dozens of activists, organisers and researchers across every habitable continent - from radical psychiatrists and youth organisers to co-operative builders in flooded Pakistan, activists in Nigeria and earth defenders in indigenous Mexico - to outline models for recovery and post-traumatic growth.

It shows how meaningful action - action that aims to change not just our emissions but our entire way of life - can be a powerful means of both psychological recovery and planetary renewal. Climate-related mental health issues are crippling millions.

Spinning Out points to a better way forward - towards wedding the needs of the earth with the needs of the human mind, towards new-found meaning, connection and belonging.

Genres: Climate Change, Nonfiction, Environment, Audiobook

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Jan Bloxham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A depressing book about a depressing topic written and narrated by a depressed person. I’d advise anyone with eco anxiety not to read it, for their own sake.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful, intense, but also beautiful read. There is so much strength, I find, when an author can link their own struggles to a larger narrative. This book is not about Charlie, but at the same time it is about the way in which Charlie is all of us, in some stage of our journey. To grapple with and become aware of climate catastrophe is overwhelming, and to simply ignore how this crisis is affecting the minds of everyday folks across the world is, itself, madness. Incredible case studies and examples of how this plays out in different cultures—and most importantly, how we can all get involved in ways that will help heal us. Tremendous.

[Jon S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a heavy-going book on a dark topic.
Can't recommend for anyone with Climate Anxiety or such issues, as the information contained isn't self-help in nature, and will likely be well known already.

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a man! Was not expecting to be addressed by a wheelchair user, who factors disability into climate action. This was a tough listen, but rewarding, and I have a lot more thoughts. I like the concept of "artivism."

[Gi V · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 would recommend to others. A refreshingly honest, action-oriented book about the intersection of planetary health and mental health. Deep personal experiences supplemented by numerous insights from interviews and conversation provide something for everyone.

[Ebony Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of information, statistics and anecdotes. Talks about many of the author's personal experiences with mental health challenges, their discovery of eco anxiety, plus more.
I listened to the audiobook; which was narrated by the author.
As may be expected, there are times when the content is heavy and seems to bring the reader down (my experience) but there are also times when there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I recommend this read, but please be aware of how you are going mentally before starting.