The Weight of the World: Climate Anxiety and Being Gen Z

Why does the state of the planet feel so personal? In this first full episode of What's On Your Mind, Mikaila unpacks climate anxiety — the guilt that comes with every plastic bottle, the doom-scrolling through wildfire footage, and the overwhelming feeling that the world is falling apart on your watch.We talk about why Gen Z carries this weight differently than any generation before, how social media amplifies eco-anxiety, and the real toll it takes on your mental health — from sleep to school to your sense of hope. But this isn't just about the problem. We also explore practical ways to care deeply about the planet without burning yourself out: setting boundaries with the news cycle, channeling anxiety into action, and giving yourself permission to not fix everything alone.If you've ever felt guilty for using a straw, anxious about the future, or paralyzed by the sheer scale of it all — this one's for you.Topics covered: climate anxiety, eco-guilt, doom-scrolling, Gen Z mental health, coping strategies, activism vs. burnout, setting boundaries with news and social media.New episodes every other Wednesday. Follow us on Instagram @woym.podcast.