Doomscrolling Teens: Stop Your Teen from Being One

Doomscrolling Teens: Breaking the Cycle of Climate Anxiety (and Finding Hope)

Doomscrolling Teens: Breaking the Cycle of Climate Anxiety (and Finding Hope) 🌱🤝✨

July 2025  |  By Amber Evelyn
Group of teens looking at phones, concerned expressions, climate news in background
Photo by Unsplash
“Doomscrolling feeds anxiety, but knowledge and community can build resilience.”

Why Are Teens So Anxious About Climate News?

If your teen seems overwhelmed by the endless stream of climate headlines, they're not alone. From catastrophic weather alerts to heated policy debates, today’s young people are growing up in a world where bad news is always a swipe away. This flood of negativity isn’t just information—it can create a cycle of anxiety, fear, and helplessness known as doomscrolling.

At Harvest & Harmony, we hear from parents and teens every week: “How can we keep hope alive when the news is so overwhelming?” Let’s break the cycle and find healthier ways forward—together.

What Is Doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling is the act of continuously consuming negative news—often late into the night—even when it causes distress. This behavior is especially common during times of crisis, and research shows teens are particularly vulnerable.

Want to learn how doomscrolling impacts mental health during global events? Read our Coping with Global Crisis – Mental Health Series.

And for more on how policy changes can amplify climate stress, see Supreme Court Fallout: EPA Ruling and Your Wellbeing.

Why Teens Are Especially Vulnerable

Teens are at a unique stage where brains are still developing—especially the parts that regulate emotion and risk. Add in social media, peer influence, and an endless supply of urgent headlines, and you have a recipe for chronic stress. According to the American Psychological Association, climate anxiety is now a leading concern among Gen Z.

Explore more about emotional regulation in our Window of Tolerance guide.

For more on how families can navigate crisis together, visit our Mental Crisis archive.

Signs Your Teen Is Doomscrolling

  • Increased anxiety, irritability, or sadness after time on their phone or laptop
  • Difficulty sleeping or constant fatigue
  • Withdrawal from family, hobbies, or friends
  • Preoccupation with “worst case scenario” thinking
  • Reluctance to talk about their worries, or emotional shutdown
  • Loss of hope about the future

If these sound familiar, you’re not failing as a parent—your teen is responding to a very real, very modern stressor.

How to Break the Doomscrolling Cycle

Here are practical, compassionate strategies for parents and teens:

  • Open Communication: Start with empathy—ask what your teen is seeing, reading, and feeling. Avoid minimizing their concerns.
  • Set Gentle Digital Boundaries: Encourage screen breaks, news-free zones, and healthy digital routines. Lead by example when possible.
  • Practice Mindful Media: Curate your feeds. Follow hopeful and solution-oriented accounts—like our Inner Circle Club for positive news and exclusive updates.
  • Encourage Agency: Help your teen find ways to take action: volunteering, writing to representatives, or participating in community projects.
  • Support Their Mental Health: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if anxiety feels unmanageable. Our Mental Health resources can help you get started.

For a deeper dive into eco-anxiety and resilience, revisit Coping with Global Crisis – Mental Health Series.

Turning Fear Into Hope: Positive News & Empowerment

Even in a sea of alarming headlines, there’s always room for hope. Share stories of young activists, scientific breakthroughs, and community wins. We’re building a special “Positive News” series just for our Inner Circle Club members. (Sign up to receive uplifting updates straight to your inbox!)

For a daily dose of optimism, try browsing Positive News and share your favorite stories with your teen.

Want more hope and practical strategies?
Join the Inner Circle Club for exclusive positive news, resources, and parent guides—delivered straight to your inbox!

Further Reading & Resources

About the Author:
Amber Evelyn is the founder of Harvest & Harmony, dedicated to helping families and communities find strength, hope, and resilience in a changing world. Learn more or join the Inner Circle Club here.
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Supreme Court Shakes Up EPA Powers—How Will This Affect Our Climate and Minds?

Supreme Court Fallout: What EPA Ruling Means for Mental Health, Climate, and Community

Supreme Court Fallout: What EPA Ruling Means for Mental Health, Climate, and Community 🏛️

July 3, 2025  |  By Harvest & Harmony Team
Crowd of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court
“Climate anxiety isn’t just about the planet—it’s about the power to shape our future together.”

What Happened?

On July 1, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision sharply limiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This controversial 5-4 ruling shifts key powers back to Congress and states, making national action on climate change even more difficult [1].

Simple US map illustration for climate action context
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pixabay

The Fallout: Environment & Policy

In the immediate aftermath, environmental groups and public health advocates warned that weakened federal regulation could lead to more pollution, less oversight, and a patchwork of state rules. While some states like California and New York are vowing to strengthen local protections, many communities—especially those already impacted by environmental injustice—worry they’ll be left behind [2].

Advocates are urging citizens to get involved in state-level policy and grassroots movements, as well as to hold elected officials accountable for sustainable action.

A diverse group in a support circle, representing community and resilience
Image by queven on Pixabay

Mental Health Impacts

The ruling isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a psychological shock for millions invested in environmental progress. Therapists report rising “eco-anxiety” and despair, particularly among young people, activists, and those living in areas vulnerable to climate disasters. The sense of loss of control over the future, sometimes called “policy grief,” can lead to increased anxiety, sadness, anger, and even burnout [3].

Community support, peer listening circles, and creative activism are emerging as powerful ways to process these complex emotions and turn worry into action.

Coping Strategies & Community Support

  • Find your circle: Connect with local or online communities that share your values. Expressing your fears and hopes in a safe group can ease isolation.
  • Take small actions: Advocacy, volunteering, or supporting eco-friendly local businesses can restore a sense of agency.
  • Practice climate self-care: Balance engagement with rest. Take news breaks, enjoy nature, and prioritize activities that restore your hope.
  • Reach out for help: If you’re struggling, talk to a counselor or therapist familiar with eco-anxiety and grief.
Minimalist nature photo suitable for adding a climate anxiety quote overlay

Helpful Resources & Next Steps

About the Author:
Amber Evelyn writes for Harvest & Harmony, covering global crisis, climate resilience, and mental wellness. Join the Inner Circle Club for more exclusive insights and resources.

Citations

  1. NY Times: Supreme Court Limits EPA Authority
  2. NPR: After EPA Ruling, States Chart Own Course
  3. APA: How to Cope with Eco-Anxiety
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🌎🔥 Global June Heat Collapse: When Headlines Become Heartbreak

Global June Heat Collapse: When Headlines Become Heartbreak | Harvest & Harmony

Global June Heat Collapse: When Headlines Become Heartbreak

June 2025 will be remembered not just for record-shattering temperatures, but for a wave of heartbreak that swept across continents. What started as shocking headlines—“Europe is boiling,” “US cities evacuate as wildfires rage,” “Wheat prices skyrocket”—quickly became a daily reality for millions. From flooded streets to empty grocery shelves, from scorching classrooms to overwhelmed hospitals, June’s heat collapse left no one untouched.

🔥 Global Disaster Timeline

  • June 2: US Midwest crops wilt as “mega-drought” worsens
  • June 6: Europe’s heat dome sets new records—wildfires erupt in Spain, Greece, and France
  • June 10: Food prices surge as wheat, corn, and olive harvests collapse
  • June 13: Floods in Asia displace millions, emergency shelters overflow
  • June 18: Mediterranean marine die-offs reported; fisheries close indefinitely
  • June 21: Scientists warn: global mental health emergency as trauma surges

🧠 The Human Impact: Global Trauma

It’s not just the physical damage—homes burned, crops lost, power grids strained. This crisis is rewriting the mental landscape of a generation. - Parents wrestle with keeping children safe and cool. - Farmers and fishers face uncertain futures and mounting debt. - Therapists report record spikes in anxiety, sleep disorders, and panic attacks tied to “climate dread.”

According to the World Health Organization, the psychological effects of climate disasters are “profound and lasting.” Harvest & Harmony’s Climate Grief Grounding Guide has seen record downloads this month as more people search for grounding, community, and hope.

“When the heat breaks records, so do our hearts. Healing begins with truth, connection, and compassionate action.”

🌍 What We Can Do Next

Resilience starts at home. Download our free Climate Grief Grounding Guide, join the newsletter for weekly tools, and check in on your neighbors.
Read Part 1: Europe Heatwave 2025 for the full backstory, or visit our series index.

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“This isn’t just a summer story. It’s a call to heal, adapt, and build resilience—together.” Tweet this
Amber Fuqua, M.A.
Trauma-informed writer, founder of Harvest & Harmony, and fierce voice for truth in a world in crisis.

📖 Read her full bio and mission on the About the Author page.

Learn More →
© 2025 Harvest & Harmony. Healing, resilience, and truth in a changing world.
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🥵 Europe Is Boiling: Heat Dome Ignites Shutdowns, Sea Deaths & Mass Evacuations

Europe Heatwave 2025: Schools Close, Wildfires Rage, and Seas Boil Over

Europe Heatwave 2025: Schools Close, Wildfires Rage, and Seas Boil Over

Europe isn’t just warming—it’s suffocating. As of July 2025, a devastating heat dome has engulfed the continent, breaking historical temperature records, crippling infrastructure, and taking a toll on mental health.

Table of Contents

“Europe is no longer warming—it's warning. This is a planetary emergency in real time.”
— Harvest & Harmony

🔥 School Closures & Tourist Site Shutdowns

In France alone, 1,350+ schools have closed and the summit of the Eiffel Tower is now off-limits to tourists...

🌊 Sea at Boil: Marine Life Suffocating

The Balearic Sea has surged to an apocalyptic 30°C —a full 6°C above average ...

🔥 Turkey’s Emergency: 50,000 Evacuated

In Turkey’s Izmir province, 50,000+ people have evacuated due to aggressive wildfires...

🚨 Not Just a Heatwave

🌡️ Global Climate Context: Worse Than 2003, 2019

While Europe has endured heatwaves before—in 2003 and 2019—climate scientists now agree that the 2025 heat dome is the most severe on record. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), prolonged heat events like this are expected to triple in intensity if emissions continue unchecked.

🧠 The Psychological Toll of Extreme Heat

Emergency rooms across southern Europe are reporting sharp increases in anxiety-related visits, many attributed to heat-induced insomnia and emotional dysregulation. Studies show a strong link between extreme heat and spikes in aggression, depression, and PTSD flare-ups. The World Health Organization and APA have called for more heat-aware mental health support across the EU.

🌍 What Comes Next: Global Implications

The impact won’t stop at Europe’s borders. With grain yields in France and Spain plummeting and Mediterranean marine collapse threatening food chains, global prices for wheat, seafood, and olive oil are already surging. African nations reliant on EU exports are bracing for shortfalls. Energy infrastructure is also strained, with rolling blackouts reported in parts of Italy and Greece. Without urgent policy change, this is only a preview.

If you haven’t already, read Part 2 of our Global Heat Series and download our Climate Grief Grounding Guide to support your emotional resilience during global crises.

This is not weather—it’s a warning. Scientists say heat domes like this are linked to rising greenhouse gas emissions...

🌱 Want more insights on mental resilience and global wellness? Join our newsletter and stay informed.

We want to hear from you: How has this heatwave affected your mental health or daily life? Leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram .

About the Author

Amber Fuqua, M.A. Psychology is the founder of Harvest & Harmony...

Harvest & Harmony is a trusted source for global mental health, climate news, trauma-informed psychology, and sustainable living insights.

Amber Fuqua, M.A.
Trauma-informed writer, founder of Harvest & Harmony , and fierce voice for truth in a world in crisis.

📖 Read her full bio and mission on the About the Author page .

Learn More →

© 2025 Harvest & Harmony. All rights reserved. Mental health, resilience & truth in a changing world.

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Urgent Advisory: Americans Urged to Leave Iran Amid Rising Tensions — Navigating Anxiety in Uncertain Times

Urgent Advisory: Americans Urged to Leave Iran Amid Rising Tensions — Navigating Anxiety in Uncertain Times | Harvest & Harmony

By Harvest & Harmony | June 30, 2025

The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has taken a sharp and alarming turn. In response to escalating conflicts and recent U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the U.S. State Department has issued an urgent advisory: all American citizens currently in Iran are urged to leave immediately if it is safe to do so.

Why This Advisory Matters

This travel alert underscores the heightened risks facing U.S. nationals, including:

  • Potential arbitrary detention or arrest by Iranian authorities
  • Increased threat of military escalation or retaliatory actions
  • Severely limited diplomatic support due to the absence of a U.S. embassy in Tehran

Such warnings are rare and signify a grave deterioration in safety conditions. Americans in Iran are urged to prioritize evacuation and avoid further travel until tensions ease.

Travel advisory sign urging Americans to leave Iran amid rising tensions
Travel advisory for Americans to leave Iran due to increasing geopolitical risks.

Sources

The Emotional Weight of Crisis Alerts

News of urgent evacuations can trigger intense anxiety, fear, and helplessness—not only for those directly affected but for communities and loved ones globally. The unpredictability of geopolitical conflict strains mental health, activating the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response.

Coping with Uncertainty and Fear

At Harvest & Harmony, we encourage grounding strategies to manage this heightened stress:

  • Limit exposure to overwhelming news cycles—choose trusted sources and take breaks
  • Practice mindfulness and deep breathing to calm the nervous system
  • Reach out for support—connect with community, friends, or mental health professionals
  • Focus on what you can control, such as personal safety plans or daily routines
Person practicing mindfulness and deep breathing to reduce anxiety
Mindfulness and deep breathing techniques help calm the nervous system during times of crisis.

Mental Health Resources

Collective Resilience in a Fractured World

While the world grapples with uncertainty, our shared strength lies in compassion and presence. By acknowledging the weight of these events and prioritizing mental wellness, we can foster resilience—individually and collectively.

Additional Support

Your safety and mental well-being are paramount. Stay informed, stay grounded, and remember you are not alone.

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❌Fallout Beyond the Bombs: President Trump, Iran, and the Fragile Threads of Global Safety

Mental Crisis Series — Part 4 | Trump, Iran, and Global Trauma

Mental Crisis Series — Part 4

The Fallout Beyond the Bombs: President Trump, Iran, and Global Trauma

By Harvest & Harmony | June 29, 2025

President Trump's claims ignite conversations about the deep psychological impacts of geopolitical crises.

Environmental Trauma: Unseen Casualties

Trump’s recent declaration that U.S. strikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear infrastructure poses significant risks beyond geopolitics. The destruction of such facilities can lead to severe ecological disasters, including radiation leaks, contamination of water sources, and ecosystem collapse.

Iran conflict environmental trauma nuclear site damage mental health
The burning aftermath of U.S. strikes in Iran illustrates the unseen environmental impact.

For further understanding of environmental trauma due to conflicts, explore resources provided by the UN Environment Programme.

The Psychological Toll: Living in a State of Alert

Constant exposure to conflict-driven narratives heightens global anxiety. Trauma responses become chronic, manifesting in increased heart rates, hyper-vigilance, and disrupted sleep patterns.

An infographic highlighting the body's stress response during crises.

Additionally, individuals may experience emotional exhaustion, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress from continuous exposure to distressing news. Awareness and proactive management of these symptoms are essential for maintaining mental resilience in uncertain times. Insights into managing trauma symptoms can be found at APA’s trauma resources.

Cultivating Hope: Steps Toward Collective Recovery

Despite uncertainty, individuals can adopt practices for mental grounding and emotional resilience. Connecting with nature, practicing mindfulness, and fostering community relationships serve as powerful antidotes to anxiety and environmental grief. Learn more about building emotional resilience in times of crisis through our previous article, Part 2: Building Emotional Resilience Amid Global Conflict.

Planting and reconnecting with nature as acts of resilience and healing.

Communities can also engage in dialogue and advocacy for peace, helping foster a global environment centered around empathy and diplomacy rather than aggression and conflict.

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