VEGAN ANGUISH / VYSTOPIA
Struggling to cope with your ethical concerns about animal welfare?
What is Vystopia
Vystopia, a term coined by psychologist Clare Mann, describes the emotional distress that can arise when you become aware of widespread animal exploitation and suffering in society. It blends “vegan” and “dystopia,” reflecting the sense of living in a world where cruelty to animals feels deeply ingrained and inescapable.
People experiencing vystopia may feel anxious, frustrated, powerless, or isolated, especially when others around them don’t share the same ethical values or concerns for animal welfare.
These feelings are valid, and support is available to help you navigate them.
Vystopia can show up in many ways, including:
Feeling overwhelmed by news of animal suffering
Frustration or anger toward societal norms
Difficulty connecting with non-vegan friends, family, or colleagues
Emotional distress impacting wellbeing, motivation, or relationships
Everyone experiences vystopia differently. Your feelings are valid, and a supportive space can help you explore them safely.
How Counselling can help
Counselling provides a safe and compassionate space to process feelings of vegan anguish, develop coping strategies, and align your actions with your values.
Working with a vegan-aware counsellor can help you:
Explore and validate your emotions without judgement
Build resilience and manage anxiety or stress related to ethical concerns
Navigate relationships with non-vegan friends, family, or colleagues
Integrate your ethical values into daily life with clarity and balance
Develop practical tools for self-care, wellbeing, and community connection
As a vegan counsellor, I may also bring personal experience with the challenges of a plant-based lifestyle, offering deeper understanding and guidance.