You hear it in conversation—a comment about another wildfire, a worried question about rising sea levels, or maybe a sense of hopelessness about the future of the planet. You see them scrolling through devastating news stories or expressing anger that not enough is being done. If you’ve noticed your teenager is carrying a heavy weight of worry about climate change, you are not alone. This is a real and growing phenomenon known as climate anxiety or eco-anxiety.
It can be unsettling to see your child so distressed about global issues that feel beyond your control. As a parent, your instinct is to protect them, but it’s hard to offer simple reassurances when their fears are rooted in reality. Acknowledging their feelings is the first step. This isn’t an overreaction; it’s an empathetic response to a changing world, and your support can make all the difference.
A generation’s legitimate worry
Eco-anxiety, defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a “chronic fear of environmental doom,” is particularly potent for young people. They are the generation inheriting the future, and the data show they feel the burden acutely. A landmark global study published in The Lancet found that nearly 60% of young people (aged 16–25) felt “very or extremely worried” about climate change.
This isn’t just abstract worry; it has real-world consequences. These feelings can manifest as depression, anger, helplessness, and a sense of betrayal by older generations. For a teen who is already navigating the typical pressures of adolescence, this added layer of existential dread can be overwhelming, impacting their sleep, concentration, and hope for the future.
What eco-anxiety may look like in your teen
Eco-anxiety isn’t a formal diagnosis but a valid emotional response. It can show up in ways that look like other forms of anxiety and stress. You might notice
- A sense of hopelessness or fatalism: Expressing thoughts like, What’s the point of planning for the future if the planet is dying?
- Anger and frustration: Directing anger at older generations or policymakers for their perceived inaction.
- Difficulty with uncertainty: Becoming highly distressed by news of environmental disasters, even those happening far away.
- Grief or sadness: Mourning the loss of natural spaces or animal species.
- Changes in behavior: Trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or difficulty focusing on schoolwork due to obsessive thoughts about the climate.
How to have grounded, supportive conversations
While you can’t solve climate change single-handedly, you can be a powerful anchor for your teen. The goal isn’t to dismiss their fears but to help them build resilience and develop a sense of agency.
- Validate, don’t dismiss: The most critical first step is to validate their feelings. Start with simple, powerful statements like, “I hear you. It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of worry, and it makes sense to feel that way.” This shows you take their concerns seriously and creates a safe space for conversation.
- Focus on action, not anxiety: Helplessness fuels anxiety. Shifting the focus toward positive action, no matter how small, can restore a sense of control. Brainstorm things you can do together as a family: start a composting bin, participate in a local park cleanup, or commit to using less plastic. The goal isn’t to solve the whole problem, but action is a powerful antidote to despair.
- Encourage balanced information and breaks: Constant exposure to climate doom-scrolling is overwhelming. Encourage your teen to take breaks from the news and social media, which are potential sources of exaggerated fears. Help them find sources that focus on innovative solutions and the positive environmental work being done around the world.
- Spend time in nature: Reconnecting with the natural world can be incredibly grounding. Go for a hike, visit a local park, or plant a garden. This reinforces what you are fighting for, not just what you are fighting against, and can transform feelings of grief into appreciation and connection.
When worry becomes overwhelming
For some teens, environmental anxiety can become all-consuming, triggering or worsening underlying mental health conditions. If your teen’s anxiety about the future is leading to panic attacks, persistent depression, or is significantly disrupting their ability to function, it may be time to seek professional support.
At Avery’s House, we understand that modern anxieties require compassionate, specialized care. We provide a safe environment where teens can process these heavy feelings and develop the coping skills needed to face an uncertain world with resilience. Through therapies designed to manage anxiety, teens learn to handle intrusive thoughts and build a stronger sense of self, separate from their biggest fears. Our programs, including flexible outpatient options, are designed to help them build these skills.
The future may be uncertain, but your child’s ability to navigate it with strength and hope is something you can build together.You are their most important guide. And when you need support, we’re here. Contact Avery’s House today to learn more about how we can help your teen and family.
