A growing concern has emerged among mental health professionals: the trend of Gen Z “crashing out”—sudden emotional breakdowns or outbursts—now widely shared on TikTok and other social platforms. The term refers to moments when individuals, overwhelmed by stress or low mood, “hit their breaking point,” often reacting with disproportionate anger or withdrawal for emotional release.

A 2024 Harmony Healthcare IT study found nearly half of Gen Z report mental health issues, with one in three using prescription medication. Licensed clinical social worker Niro Feliciano notes that these “crash‑outs” are symptoms of “high stress and low dopamine.” She warns that while venting may offer brief relief, it often comes with relational or emotional costs.

Experts caution that glamorizing such reactions as coping mechanisms discourages the growth of emotional regulation, resilience, and perspective-taking. Rebecca Hug, a clinical counselor, adds that relying on “crashing out” undermines healthy development.

Mental health professionals recommend early intervention: recognizing signs—irritability, withdrawal, loss of motivation—and using simple tools like deliberate breathing to regain control. Ultimately, they urge teens and young adults to seek therapy and build long-term strategies rather than normalizing these meltdowns.

As “crashing out” trends online, experts highlight that emotional resilience, not viral catharsis, offers a healthier path forward.