I'm Gen X and have been hearing about the doom and gloom, "the sky is falling", no future, etc since I was a teen as well. Lived most of my life in fear believing it all. A host of post apocalyptic films helped reinforce it.

Back then, it was a forgone conclusion that the world was going to end with WWIII and nuclear Armageddon. Inflation was high, and I remember our teachers telling us how much more basic items would cost in the future. Computers were going to take our jobs (this was before PCs). Pollution was out of control. The older generation said we were a bunch of lazy, entitled, spoiled brats and didn't have what it takes. There didn't seem to be much of a future for us. Same story, different era.

Don't let it overwhelm you. Most of it is amplified by the media to sell advertising. Fear sells. Public despair and hand wringing draws viewership. People want to feel like they are "in the know", and cling to the doom and gloom predictions shouting "wake up sheeple"!

It's good to be aware of what's going on, but don't fall into the despair cycle. Lots of people are working on solving the major issues. I think we are all frustrated that thing could change except for a handful of politicians and their corporate sponsors who seem to block all attempts to change it. That battle has been going on as long as I've been alive.

My advice for you is to look for the possibilities and the opportunities. If I could go back to being your age at the dawn of the PC revolution, start of the internet, knowing the Soviet Union was going to collapse, the sky wasn't falling, etc., I would have had a very different life. But I couldn't see through the "clouds of doom."

Just work on yourself and your future, and find a way to make your little corner of the world a little brighter, a little more cheerful. Take care of the environment and help the people around you. Vote for the people who want to create the future you want to live in. Volunteer in your community. Seek out other people like yourself you are working for a change.

Stay positive, and find what Albert Camus called your "invincible summer."

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.And
that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world
pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something
better, pushing right back.” - Albert Camus

Hope this was helpful.

I had no idea they were still in business! They were my original furniture 35 years ago, gave it all to my sister when I moved out of State and she still has it and uses it.

Great stuff!