Views on climate change, climate action and mental health, in young people with and without existing depression symptoms: A qualitative study

• Young people describe the negative impacts of climate change on both the environment and their mental health. • Young people with high depression symptoms describe feeling pessimistic about climate change and action. • Young people think a balance of Hope and Fear in climate messaging is needed to spur action. Youth mental health is in crisis. Climate change has the potential to tip more young people into depression and anxiety. Knowing how young people with and without depression symptoms view climate change could guide interventions to mitigate against climate induced mental health issues. We carried out in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ( N = 27) young people aged 18–25 (M age = 20.3 years). Participants were grouped as healthy controls (C, N = 16, < 16 score on Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, MFQ) or had high depression symptoms (HD, N = 11, ≥ 27, MFQ). Using thematic analysis, we explored participants views on climate change, climate action, climate messaging, climate agency and mental health. From the interviews, eight key themes emerged: (1) Negative environmental events – Climate change was understood as ranging from weather changes to natural disasters. (2) Mental health impacts – Most participants reported increased anxiety and depression, with the HD group being more pessimistic about climate change prevention. (3) Benefits of action – Focus on individual efforts. (4) Non-disruptive vs. disruptive actions – Preference for non-disruptive solutions. (5) Hope and Fear in climate messaging – balance is needed. (6) Local and global action – Emphasis on combining both approaches. (7) Leadership – Responsibility placed on politicians, institutions, and environmentalists. (8) Shared responsibility – Families, educators, governments, and celebrities all have a role in climate action. These findings offer valuable insights into the perspectives of young people with and without existing symptoms of depression. Notably, identifying differences—such as varying levels of climate pessimism—based on depression status highlights the importance of climate communication strategies that not only effectively address climate change but also safeguard youth mental health. This is important as those with existing depression symptoms may be more vulnerable to the psychological impacts of climate change.