The author is a rising junior in Cleveland, Ohio.

As global temperatures continue to rise, another trend is emerging beside them: worsening mental health among youth. The World Health Organization estimates that, globally, 1 in 7 children aged 10 to 19 has a mental health disorder. Meanwhile, global temperature has risen by approximately 1.44 degrees Celsius since the 19th century. While these issues may seem unrelated, increased climate change is proven to be highly correlated with teen mental health outcomes. Researchers are increasingly examining how environmental instability influences psychological health, particularly among youth, who will face the brunt of ever-intensifying climate impacts. Despite growing attention to climate change, many governments have been criticized for failing to take sufficient action. As climate impacts become more visible and political responses remain limited, many young people are left carrying a growing sense of uncertainty about the future. 

Eco-anxiety is defined by UNICEF as the chronic fear of environmental doom, stemming from the realities of climate change and ecological degradation. Unlike many fears that stem solely from uncertainty, eco-anxiety is sadly fueled by scientific evidence and reality. UNICEF furthers that nearly 60% of young people are “very” or “extremely worried” about environmental problems. These findings suggest climate anxiety has become a prevalent characteristic of youth around the world. This may seem like an unimportant issue, but the impacts of climate distress go beyond mere stress. Not only does it increase the likelihood of other mental disorders, including depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it also changes the way that they live their lives. Climate-related anxiety often leads to a “green self-identity”, where personal decisions such as shopping, driving, and consumption are heavily tied to guilt. The popularity of the 2026 Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox portrays this, showing 6 couples embark on removing plastic and synthetic materials from their lifestyle in an attempt to solve unexplained infertility. Following the premiere of this series, families across the world reacted not with inspiration but with fear, making an anxiety-driven shift away from plastic products in response to the show’s exaggerated statements on the effects of plastic on fertility. This example isn’t isolated; green self-identity and eco-anxiety can alter lifestyles, as well as affect decisions to build a family. For example, in a 2022 study, researchers Inmaculada Boluda-Verdú et al. found that individuals may even be more reluctant to have children, a decision that may completely alter life plans. 

Although environmentally conscious decisions can be beneficial, experts warn that a young person’s sense of self should not be solely defined by the burden of solving a global crisis. Symptoms of eco-anxiety can include irritability, sleeplessness, inability to relax, panic attacks, and more. Left unaddressed, these symptoms can interfere with personal life, school, relationships, and overall quality of life. These symptoms are extremely similar to those one may experience when diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 

While these concerns affect people broadly, the emotional toll is greatest among specific communities. Those with cultural or personal ties to the environment are experiencing the highest levels of eco-anxiety. Among those most affected are those of Indigenous culture. Indigenous cultures frequently have deep spiritual, cultural, and physical survival ties to land, stemming from the perception that land, animals, and ecosystems are relatives rather than resources. As a result, environmental destruction is experienced through trauma and grief, akin to losing a family member. For many Indigenous communities, climate change presents not only a threat to the environment but also to their culture.

Since domestic and international governments have not taken significant steps to stop climate change, coping mechanisms for climate anxiety are required. The saddest part is that eco-anxiety is not a hysterical disorder; it’s a natural reaction to our failing environment. As it is not seen as a true mental disorder, psychological and psychiatric treatment has not been developed. So, that presents the question: what can teenagers do to regulate themselves on a failing planet?

Mental health experts often emphasize the importance of community support for traditional mental health issues, and the same principle applies to eco-anxiety. Sharing concerns with family and friends, as well as like-minded individuals, can reduce feelings of isolation. Groups like The Good Grief Network serve individuals experiencing climate distress and turn emotional turmoil into meaningful action. These networks not only provide a community but also a way to help adolescents find purpose through climate advocacy and reduce feelings of hopelessness. Additionally, limiting social media and mainstream news intake can prevent burnout and anxiety. Staying informed through reliable, science-based resources, rather than clickbait headlines, ensures individuals are grounded in reality. 

While no single solution can eliminate eco-anxiety, building supportive communities, taking meaningful action, and consuming information responsibly can help young people navigate an uncertain future with resilience and hope. As conversations around climate change evolve, addressing its psychological effects may become just as important as addressing its environmental ones. 

Eco-Anxiety Among Youth: The Impacts and Solutions © 2026 by Youth Environmental Press Team is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/