Doomscrolling Teens: Stop Your Teen from Being One

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

July 2025  |  By Amber Evelyn

Photo by Unsplash

Contents:

• Why Are Teens So Anxious About Climate News?
• What Is Doomscrolling?
• Why Teens Are Especially Vulnerable
• Signs Your Teen Is Doomscrolling
• How to Break the Doomscrolling Cycle
• Turning Fear Into Hope: Positive News & Empowerment
• Further Reading & Resources

“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

• Coping with Global Crisis – Mental Health Series
• Supreme Court Fallout: EPA Ruling and Your Wellbeing
• Understanding the Window of Tolerance
• Mental Crisis Series Index
• All Mental Health Articles
• All Parenting Articles
• APA: Coping with Climate Anxiety
• Positive News

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.

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 🏛️

July 3, 2025  |  By Harvest & Harmony Team

Contents:

• What Happened?
• The Fallout: Environment & Policy
• Mental Health Impacts
• Coping Strategies & Community Support
• Helpful Resources & Next Steps
• Citations

“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].

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.

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.

Helpful Resources & Next Steps

• APA: Coping with Climate Anxiety
• Sierra Club – State and Local Action Center
• Climate Psychology Alliance
• Join our Inner Circle for exclusive support & updates
• Read: Coping with Global Crisis – Mental Health Series

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

Table of Contents

• 🌡️ Introduction: When the World Froze in Heat
• 🔥 Global Disaster Timeline
• 🧠 The Human Impact: Global Trauma
• 🌍 What We Can Do Next

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.

Get the latest resources in your inbox.
Sign up for the Harvest & Harmony Newsletter

Featured Quote:
“This isn’t just a summer story. It’s a call to heal, adapt, and build resilience—together.” Tweet this

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn

In this series:

• Previous: Europe Heatwave 2025
• View all articles

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.

🥵 Europe Is Boiling: Heat Dome Ignites Shutdowns, Sea Deaths & Mass Evacuations

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

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.

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.

Further Reading & Support Resources

• Trump’s Iran Claims – TIME
• Environmental Impacts of Conflict – CEOBS
• Mental Health Support – Chandler Nobles Counseling

Is Your Teen Silently Suffering? The Hidden Mental Toll of the U.S.–Iran

 Harvest & Harmony | Part 4 of ? in our Mental Health in Global Crisis Series
When Teens Carry the Weight of the World 🌪️📱🧒

The June 2025 airstrikes between the U.S. and Iran mark a dangerous turning point in global conflict. Still, beyond the news stories and political responses, something quieter and more personal is happening in our homes. Our teens are feeling it. They're internalizing the chaos, even if they can't always explain what they're feeling. 🧳🕊️🧬

Today’s teens have grown up online. They’re constantly scrolling through real-time updates on violence, climate fear, and global tension. And while they're often praised for their awareness, that exposure takes a toll. You might see:

• Increased anxiety and panic attacks

• Disrupted sleep and concentration

• Social withdrawal or behavioral regression

• A loss of faith in the future

---

Why This Hits So Hard for Teens 🧠📉⚖️

Adolescence is already a rollercoaster. It's a time when emotions run high, identities are being shaped, and everything feels intense. When you add a backdrop of global instability, it’s like adding fuel to an already roaring fire.

Here’s what happens neurologically:

• The part of the brain responsible for decision-making (the prefrontal cortex) gets overwhelmed

• The fear center (the amygdala) becomes more reactive

• School, focus, and future planning take a hit

In short, conflict isn't just political—it's personal, and it's literally reshaping how our kids' brains develop. 🧩🎯🧭

---

What This Looks Like at School 🏫📚🗣️

Teachers and counselors are seeing the effects, too. Whether it’s through increased tension in discussions or kids zoning out completely, global conflict is showing up in the classroom.

Recently, schools have reported:

• Group discussions turning tense or fearful

• Students expressing helplessness or nihilism

• A decline in test performance and attention span

These aren’t just academic problems—they're emotional red flags. 🚫🌐📉

---

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media 📲🧾🚨

Many teens turn to social media to stay informed or feel connected. But let’s be real—it’s a minefield. TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit might offer some education, but they also:

• Push unverified or graphic content

• Create echo chambers of fear or outrage

• Make it hard for teens to think critically when emotions run high

If your teen seems moody or disconnected after screen time, the feed may be feeding more than just boredom.

---

How You Can Help 🧑‍🏫🧡🧩

1. 
   Validate Emotions: Let them talk. Don’t downplay their fears—even if you think they’re overreacting.

2. Model Calm: They’re watching you. Show them how to stay grounded.

3. Talk About the News: Help them tell the difference between facts, opinions, and fear tactics.

4. Empower Them: Encourage them to take action—whether it’s writing, volunteering, or starting a conversation.

---

When to Consider Outside Support 🚨💬🧍

You know your teen best. But if you start seeing:

• A sharp drop in grades

• Persistent sadness or irritability

• Risky behavior or talk of hopelessness

• Big changes in sleep or eating

It might be time to reach out to a therapist. Trauma-informed counselors can help teens process what’s going on—and find a path forward. 🛋️🌈🛠️

---

Raising Resilience in a Chaotic World 🌱🕊️📖

At Harvest & Harmony, we believe today’s youth are capable of incredible strength, but they shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. We can build emotional safety nets through honest conversations, loving presence, and mental health support. ⚓💬🌎

Our kids are watching us. They’re learning how to handle stress, fear, and change by watching how we do it. Let’s show them that peace starts at home. 🎒🧠🛡️

---

Need More Support? Download our FREE PDF for parents learning to help their children cope!

Support and Resources 📘🧾🧑‍⚕️

• Child Mind Institute

• Teen Line

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network

• American Academy of Pediatrics Mental Health Resources
  
  
  

📰 Ceasefire or Calm Before the Storm? Coping With Global Whiplash

Harvest & Harmony | Part 3 in our Mental Health in Global Crisis Series

---

🌍 Middle East Ceasefire Anxiety: What Happens Next

After nearly two weeks of escalating attacks, a Middle East ceasefire has been announced between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. This fragile truce followed missile strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, retaliatory attacks on Tel Aviv, and heightened global alertness.

While headlines suggest de-escalation, emotionally, many people are still holding their breath. Across the U.S. and beyond, there’s a surge in global war anxiety, as people process what just happened — and fear what might come next.