Some of the many fears that young people face today appear to be apocalyptic. The global climate crisis is frequently perceived as an existential threat to life on earth as we know it. This perception has caused “eco-anxiety” among many Americans, contributing to the general anxiety epidemic plaguing so many young people today.
Dealing With Teenage Existential Angst
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Clinically reviewed by
Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.
Last reviewed on July 16, 2026
Eco-Anxiety and the Climate Crisis
“Watching the slow and seemingly irrevocable impacts of climate change unfold, and worrying about the future for oneself, children, and later generations, may be an additional source of stress,” warned a report by the American Psychological Association on “mental health and our changing climate” in 2017. “Direct experience with and future unknown effects of climate change can cause children to exhibit symptoms of PTSD, such as phobic behavior, panic, nightmares, and anxiety.”
Fear of an Unknown Future
Many young people are prone to developing a variety of mental health issues because they fear losing control over an unknown future. Increasingly, this kind of existential doom and gloom is no longer offset by religious faith. The current generation of young Americans dubbed Gen Z or “iGen” as “less religious and less spiritual, publicly and privately, and strikingly different from previous generations when they were young. The move away from religion is not longer piecemeal, small, or uncertain; it’s large and definitive,” wrote psychology professor Jean Twenge in her 2017 book iGen.
Social Media and Mental Health
Prevalent existential angst and relentless stress caused in part by the inability to unplug from social media and other online platforms have placed Gen Z “at the forefront of the worst mental health crisis in decades, with rates of teen depression and suicide skyrocketing since 2011,” Twenge warned in iGen. According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, the number of children and teens in the United States who visited emergency rooms for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts doubled between 2007 and 2015.
American Traditionalism in Decline
A recent article in The Atlantic suggested that allegiance to the “holy trinity of American traditionalism,” the nuclear family, religious fealty, and national pride, is in precipitous decline. It has not been replaced with a new credo of purpose, leading many young people to mitigate their existential dread with drugs and alcohol.
Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
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This whole experience ha been so much easier with the coordinators from Muir woods. Lisa has been an absolute god send. I will mis her I wish she was my therapist lol.
Coordinators made the experience so much easier
Jul 2026
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I think Reagan has experience so much grown here!
KC
Jul 2026
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All the staff are so kind and have really helped our family during tough times. My daughter is so much better now. She has been able to do a lot of healing and work on herself and we are so appreciative of Muir Wood for all of the support.
QD
Jul 2026
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My son has just left Muir Woods after a 7 week stay. I wish I could convey the level of insight, care and empathy that our family experienced. He was very sick- physically, emotionally, psychically- with an addiction that was even deeper than we were aware of.
LS
Jul 2026
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Alma had a good experience and got all the support she needed.
BF
Jul 2026
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I trusted you with my daughter. I do not take that lightly.
GS
Jul 2026
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It’s been a fantastic program for our daughter. Incredible staff and attention to her health. Excellent parenting classes and support groups and incredible guidance for her and us navigating her growth and health.
IG
Jul 2026
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Admittedly, I don't have any prior experience with adolescent residential substance abuse centers, so I can't compare. I can only tell you what the experience was like for my son and our family.
MF
Jul 2026