Supporting Teens and Young Adults Through Anxiety, Social Media, and Current Events
In today’s world, social media feels like a necessary evil. While it can keep us connected to the world, it also can feel impossible to look away from the upsetting news constantly showing up on our feeds. Between what’s happening locally and globally, it’s normal to feel anxious, angry, numb, or just plain exhausted.
If that’s how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Many teens, young adults, (and adults, including myself) are navigating these same feelings while still trying to go to school, work, or keep up with daily life. Your reactions are valid. They are your body and mind’s way of responding to a lot of stress and real-world events.
This post is meant to be a practical resource. It offers ways to manage anxiety, care for yourself, and take small actions that feel meaningful, without overwhelming yourself.
Name Your Feelings
The first step in managing anxiety is noticing it. A simple practice can help:
“Right now I am feeling ___ because ___.”
This isn’t about fixing your emotions immediately — it’s about acknowledging them and giving yourself permission to feel. Journaling or talking with a trusted adult can also help you process difficult feelings.
Set Healthy Social Media Boundaries
Social media can feel both necessary and overwhelming. Setting intentional boundaries protects your mental health:
Choose specific times to check the news or your feeds.
Mute or unfollow accounts that spike your stress.
Log off on purpose, not just when you feel burned out.
Remember: caring about the world doesn’t mean you need to consume everything all at once.
Ground Yourself in the Body
When your mind is racing, your body can help you feel safe again. Try these grounding strategies:
Plant your feet on the floor and notice five things you can see.
Hold something cold or textured.
Take six slow breaths, focusing on a longer exhale.
These exercises help regulate your nervous system and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
Give Your Anger Purpose
Anger is a natural response to injustice. Instead of turning it inward, you can channel it constructively:
Express it through words, art, or movement.
Consider small, meaningful actions to support causes you care about.
Talk it through with a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist.
Your anger is valid, and moving it safely can help you feel empowered instead of stuck.
Take Action Safely
Taking action doesn’t mean doing everything. Even small steps can make a difference:
Sign petitions or email representatives about causes that matter to you.
Donate to verified organizations helping impacted communities.
Volunteer in safe ways or attend local events.
Share resources and educational content instead of graphic posts.
Resting and protecting your mental health is also part of meaningful action.
Local Resources for Teens and Young Adults to Take Action in LA
If anxiety feels heavy, you don’t have to handle it alone. Local resources include:
Community & Advocacy:
Siempre Unidos LA - volunteer, donate, support immigrant families (siempreunidosla.org)
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project - legal support, “Know Your Rights” programs (esperanza-la.org)
El Rescate - legal services, community education (elrescate.org)
ACLU of Southern California - advocacy and rapid response (aclusocal.org)
Legal Support & Rapid Response
LA Rapid Response Hotline: 888‑624‑4752 (info + legal support referrals)
Mental Health Support:
Teen Line - peer support by phone or text (https://didihirsch.org/teenline/)
NAMI Greater Los Angeles - youth support groups (https://namiglac.org/)
LA County Department of Mental Health 24/7 help line (800)-854-7771
You Are Allowed to Care and Protect Yourself
Managing anxiety in the age of social media and constant news is not about staying calm all the time. It’s about:
Creating boundaries
Naming and processing your feelings
Regulating your nervous system
Choosing safe ways to engage with the world
You are allowed to care deeply and protect your mental health at the same time. You do not have to carry the weight of the world alone.