Why Gen Z is Leading the Way in Mental Health episode artwork

EPISODE · May 11, 2026 · 27 MIN

Why Gen Z is Leading the Way in Mental Health

from My Happy Ass Life · host Karen Smith

It’s  mental health awareness month and today I’m reflecting on how much has changed... I can remember when I was younger, if you needed to go to therapy, it was almost a secret. We were surrounded by shame, feeling like we were defective if we couldn’t handle it all on our own. But now, things have shifted, and we are finally dropping that stigma thanks to the brave young people in our lives who have embraced it.Today I’m joined by my precious grandchild, JJ, who is truly wise beyond their years, to talk about their mental health journey. JJ shares their experience growing up in the wake of family addiction and loss, and how they are choosing to break the cycle. This episode is for anyone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to not be okay, and that there is so much power in simply being honest about our struggles.Episode HighlightsSpecial Thanks to My Precious Sponsors!!!Buffalo Rock Pepsi: www.buffalorock.comHoliday Beach Mechanical: www.holidaybeachmechanical.comAmor Boutique: https://amorboutiquepc.comTeam Patriot: www.teampatriotllc.comSomethin's Cookin' Downtown: www.somethinscookin.comFerrucci Ristorante: www.ferruccipc.comHue Salon: https://www.huesalonandboutique.comMinutes & Miles: https://minutesandmiles.comGypsy Wllow: https://gypsywillowretail.comBay Tax: www.bay.tax/bay-intro-to-the-firmShorehouse Furniture: https://shorehousefurniture.comEpisode Highlights: [01:12] Mental Health Month and Gen Z openness[03:43] Losing Mom and finding strength[07:16] Therapy tools for anxiety and ADHD[08:44] Wellness habits through art, music, and theater[10:20] Why we chose homeschooling[13:20] Sponsor shoutouts and field trip plans[15:11] Why therapy matters[15:45] Gender differences and emotions[20:27] Breaking unhealthy family cycles[23:00] Helping friends navigate hard seasons[24:45] Self-improvement and health goals[25:56] Independence, growth, and hopeLet’s Stay Connected!Follow along on social media @BeSweetYall and don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.🎙 Presented by ADF MediaBe sweet, y’all 💛

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 11, 2026

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Why Gen Z is Leading the Way in Mental Health

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