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Supporting Young People’s Mental Health in a World of Constant Crisis

When the world feels like it’s on fire — and our young people feel it too

You don’t have to live through a war, a natural disaster, or a pandemic to feel the emotional impact of one. For many young people in the UK, simply watching global catastrophes unfold can create real distress. This is a topic coming up more often in our therapy sessions. Added on to day-to-day stresses, it can feel too much.

From the moment they wake up, young people are exposed to stories of war, climate disasters, political turmoil, and humanitarian emergencies — often accompanied by personal footage, raw emotions, and comment sections filled with anger or despair. They might not say it directly, but many feel:

  • Anxious or fearful about the state of the world.
  • Helpless watching suffering they can’t fix.
  • Guilty for feeling safe when others aren’t.
  • Hopeless about the future — unsure what kind of world they’ll inherit.

This is known as vicarious trauma — when repeated exposure to others’ suffering, even indirectly, starts to affect your own mental health. For young people still developing emotionally, this can be especially intense. For parents, it can add another complex layer to the support we offer.

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The hidden cost of “always online” empathy

Today’s young people are part of the most connected generation in history — but also the most exposed.

Unlike adults who can switch off the news, their social lives, hobbies, and news consumption often happen on the same platforms. That means distressing content about global instability is woven into their everyday feeds — right next to memes and friendship updates.

They may not experience one huge traumatic event, but a constant background hum of global anxiety. Over time, this can:

  • Heighten symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Cause trouble sleeping or concentrating.
  • Create feelings of powerlessness or emotional numbness.
  • Increase anger, irritability, or withdrawal.

And because they know these problems are happening far away, sometimes they feel they “don’t deserve” to feel upset — leading to shame or silence when they really need support.

Why accessing help is harder than ever

Unfortunately, while more young people are struggling, specialist mental health services aren’t keeping up.

Across the UK in 2023/24:

  • Over 910,000 young people were referred to NHS Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CAMHS) — a record high.
  • 78,500 waited more than a year for treatment — up 50% on the year before.
  • Many waited over two years, and 171,000 referrals were closed before any support was given.
    (Sources: YoungMinds; NHS England; Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2024)
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When major world events dominate headlines — such as climate disasters or international conflicts — the number of anxious young people spikes. Families face longer waits just when young people are most distressed – another pressure for parents to carry. We feel the weight too and worry about the future for our children.

That’s why early action matters more than ever.

What parents can do — even when you can’t change the world

  1. Acknowledge their feelings

If your child seems withdrawn, angry, or anxious about world events, don’t minimise it. Saying “I understand why that would feel scary” or “You’re right, it’s hard seeing those things happen” validates their emotions and keeps communication open.

  1. Help them step back from the constant newsfeed

Encourage breaks from social media and rolling news. You might agree to check updates at a set time of day, or use “screen-free” hours. Try watching or reading news together, so you can discuss it and put it into perspective.

  1. Reinforce what’s in their control

Hopelessness thrives on powerlessness. Help your child to focus on action over anxiety: small acts like signing a petition, volunteering locally, or joining a climate or social movement can give them agency.

  1. Create a calm space

Routines help when the world feels unpredictable. Encourage downtime, physical activity, sleep, and creativity — these simple anchors support resilience.

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    1. Use available support while you wait for services

    Even if CAMHS or GP referrals take time, there are excellent UK-wide options:

    NHS – 111 (press option 2)

    Shout – text 85258

  2. Kooth.com

  3. The Mix – 0808 808 4994

    YoungMinds Parents Helpline – 0808 802 5544

    1. Stay informed

    Use this tip sheet for more advice, and visit the Mental Health Foundation for more information.

    Building resilience in an uncertain world

    You can’t stop your child seeing distressing news, but you can help them process it in healthy ways:

    • Talk openly about emotions and uncertainty.
    • Model coping by showing how you manage your own worries.
    • Encourage connections — family dinners, time outdoors, laughter, creativity.
    • Remind them that while the world is unpredictable, support and kindness are constant.

    Remember that mental health isn’t only affected by what happens to us, but also by what we witness.

    In a connected world, our children feel it all. The good news is that empathy and compassion are strengths; they just need balance and support to stop empathy turning into overwhelm.

    Keep the conversation going and reach for help early where necessary.

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The wealth of experience on the team, as a whole, is enviable, and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this service to anyone who is seeking support for their child or young person.
The counselling I received helped me so much that I am aspiring to be a counsellor myself.
L is much happier and calmer in his day-to-day life. As a family it’s much easier to function. School have also noticed that his work has improved and he’s happier.
The counsellor was really kind and understanding, she listened well and focused the sessions on what my child wanted to do.
I couldn’t be any happier with how this experience has turned out, thank you so much. I can’t recommend this service enough.
Just wanted to say another massive thank you for supporting me over the past few months and allowing me to find my confidence and trust within myself.
Thank you for allowing me to feel my feelings and to not be ashamed about them or try to hide them away.
Thank you for letting me accept all the parts of me and to celebrate all the positives and huge accomplishments that I should be proud of.
Deciding to go here for therapy turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
It has been fab working with yourself and Thriving Young Minds, I have been singing your praises in team meetings.
My child really enjoyed the sessions, we have learned about strategies that work for my child, they can be used in a number of different situations.
Thank you for teaching me that boundaries don’t make me a bad a person and that my voice, thoughts and feelings matter.
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