Parents' Guide to Teen Languishing: Why "Fine" Isn't Always Flourishing

In this episode of From Languishing to Living, therapist Tiffany Silva Herlin, LCSW, sits down with Dr. Matt Hoag, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at ThreePeaks Ascent. Together, they unpack the often-overlooked concept of “languishing”—a low-level emotional stagnation that many teens experience, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Parents will gain insight into how languishing shows up in teen behavior and what they can do to help their child move from “meh” to motivated.In this episode, you’ll learn about:What Is Languishing?: How to recognize the signs of emotional flatness in teens that aren’t quite depression, but aren’t healthy either.Teen Life in a Disconnected World: Why social media and screen time leave teens more isolated, not connected.The Risk of Doing Nothing: How languishing can snowball into depression, anxiety, and delayed emotional development.Why Nature Helps: How nature-based therapy supports emotional growth, presence, and connection.If your teen seems unmotivated, withdrawn, or “just not themselves,” this episode will give you clarity and direction. You’ll learn how to spot the early warning signs of deeper emotional struggles—and why discomfort can be a doorway to healing. Tune in to the full episode or read the transcript below for expert advice and practical tools you can use right now. Take the first step toward helping your teen thrive—call us today at 435-272-1280.