Millennials have led the way in reducing the stigma of mental health as the Therapy Generation, and now Gen Zers are taking it a step further to change the face of mental health and therapy… for the better. Here’s how:
Using Social Media for Expression, Support, and Coping
Scrolling TikTok as a therapist, I often find myself on the mental health, body positivity, and therapy side of TikTok, as this popular social media app has algorithms designed to pull up videos with content you’re likely interested in.
Who else do I find amidst the TikTok therapists posting about mental health? That’s right – Gen Zers, creating extremely innovative 15-second videos that capture everything from their struggles with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders to witty, funny, insightful reflections about their therapy sessions.
What might seem like TMI to older generations is serving as a valuable coping mechanism to many Gen Zers – TikTok becomes a tool to express their inner experience, including mental health challenges that are typically kept quiet within the walls of the therapy office. Comments and likes can fuel support and connection, as the magical TikTok algorithms bring together like-minded young people bravely sharing their stories.
In this way, social media fosters creative self-expression as well as favorable support. Of course, every young person is also aware that social media can be damaging, like posting hurtful comments. Many Gen-Zers address situations by acknowledging them head-on, creating video responses to negative comments, thereby cultivating more emotional support.
Budgeting in Therapy
Twenty-somethings often face difficulty making rent and paying the bills as they begin to live more independently, so you might not expect them to show up for therapy. However, Gen Zers are attending therapy regularly and often view therapy as a necessary expense, budgeting for it as they would gas, groceries, and the electricity bill.
This speaks to the Gen Zer’s value of self-care and mental health, as well as their understanding that therapy is an investment in their well-being. As a therapist, it’s encouraging to see young people valuing therapy as an investment in themselves! These clients often think about what they want to focus on in session, show up with notes, and are eager to challenge themselves.
Speaking Therapy Lingo
I had never used the term “self-care” until I was in graduate school studying to become a therapist. Nowadays, Instagram shows #selfcare as having over 31 million associated posts! From “mindfulness” to “body positivity”—terms that were previously not widely used outside of the therapy and wellness communities are now commonly used in the language of Gen Zers, both in-person and through hashtags!
This use of language also reinforces mental health and wellness as a value of younger generations! Gen Zers often seek wellness tools, focus on their self-care, and adopt a language of wellness.
Choosing Their Therapist Intentionality
Gone are the days of pulling up providers on your insurance and seeking counseling from whoever has availability. Many Gen Zers are taking control of their therapy experience by researching to find the person they want to work with and asking important questions.
Traditionally, psychotherapists are told not to share too much about their personal selves with their clients. However, Gen Zers care deeply about the world and current social issues, and they are more likely to want to know their therapist’s stance on important issues. I find that Gen Z clients sometimes want to know that I am for Black Lives Matter and that I’m an ally to LGBTQIA+ people. They want to make sure the therapist they see is creating a safe space not just for them but for all people. It’s important that they find a therapist that aligns with their values and displays authenticity. They ask questions and make active decisions about who they trust and choose to open up to.
Gen Zers clearly value their own mental and emotional health and see therapy as an investment in their well-being and find creative ways to continue to normalize seeking help!
