Politics vs. Teenagers: The Mental Effects of Today’s Political State on Our Younger Generation
- whereemotionsflow
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
By: Malak Kalaz
1.0: Introduction
In recent years, the political atmosphere has increasingly taken a toll on the mental well-being of the younger generation. Teenagers, who are navigating a crucial stage of development, are particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety that stem from a contradicting and often contentious political environment. Reports show that many teens feel disillusioned by politicians and anxious about their future, as they witness escalating political divisions and challenges such as economic instability and social unrest. Research highlights a disturbing trend, with politics emerging as a significant source of mental distress for young people. As political discourse becomes more intense, it exacerbates feelings of hopelessness, fear, and confusion, affecting their overall mental health. Understanding how politics influences teen mental health is critical in finding effective ways to help them cope and build resilience in their turbulent times.
1.1: Current Political Issues
Current political issues are significantly impacting the mental health of younger generations, with many teams grappling with anxiety, stress, and disillusionment. Key concerns include the growing polarization and political disclosure, which creates an environment of division and conflict that can overwhelm young people. issues like climate change, economic instability, and the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies are also contributing to the heightened anxiety about the future. For example, mass detention and deportation efforts have placed
immigrant families under immense emotional strain affecting both their mental and physical health (Pillai, Pillai, & Artiga, 2025). Additionally, the rhetoric surrounding these issues can foster feelings of fear, helplessness, and uncertainty among teens, leading to a deterioration of their overall well-being (Cain Miller, 2024; Charlie Health Editorial Team, 2025). This toxic political environment is increasingly recognized as a major stressor compounding the already complex mental health challenges teens face today.
1.2: Teens Involvement
Teenagers are becoming more involved in politics than ever before, but this increased engagement can sometimes exacerbate their mental health challenges. While many young people feel a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for causes like climate change, social justice, and political reform, the intensity of political polarization can leave them feeling powerless and disillusioned. As they witness disruptive political battles and unfulfilled promises from politicians teens may experience heightened stress and frustration. According to reports, many teens feel that their voices are not being heard or that the political systems are too broken to address their concerns (Cain Miller, 2024). The sense of disillusionment can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, especially when they are surrounded by constant negative news and contentious debates (Charlie Health Editorial Team, 2025). The pressure to engage in political discourse, paired with a lack of agency and affecting meaningful change, can take a toll on young people's mental health further deepening their sense of insecurity and fear for the future.
1.3: Mental Health Effects
The current political climate has a profound effect on teen mental health, contributing to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. As teens are increasingly exposed to polarizing political debates, they often feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of negative news and divisive rants. The sense of instability can lead to a lack of control over their future Amplifying feelings of helplessness and depression. additionally, the political climate can foster an environment of distrust and fear, making teens more vulnerable to mental health struggles as they process their emotions and concerns about issues like social justice, climate change, and economic instability (Thomson, 2024)
References
● Cain Miller, C. (2024, January). Today’s Teenagers: Anxious About Their Futures and Disillusioned by Politicians. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/upshot/teens-politics-mental-health.html ● Charlie Health Editorial Team (2025, January). Yes, Politics Is Worsening People’s Mental Health — Here’s What the Data Shows. Charlie Health.
● Pillai, A., Pillai, D., & Artiga, S. (2025, February). Potential Impacts of Mass Detention and Deportation Efforts on the Health and Well-Being of Immigrant Families. KFF. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/potential-impacts-of-mass -detention-and-deportation-efforts-on-the-health-and-well-being-of-immigrant-families/
● Newport Academy Staff. (2024, February). The Effect of Politics on Teen Mental Health, and 5 Ways to Help Teens Cope. Newport Academy.
● Thomson, E. (2024, October). The Mental Health Impact of Politics. PrairieCare. https://prairie-care.com/resources/type/blog/mental-health-impact-of-politics/
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