In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with two Gen Z voices, Riley and Tessa, to hear how today’s young people are actually navigating mental health, identity, and resilience.

Building on research from the Barna Group and insights from Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, this conversation moves beyond just the research and into real-life experiences.

Gen Z is more open than ever about mental health—but that openness can sometimes turn into over-identifying with struggles. Riley and Tessa share candidly about what they see in their generation: the tension between awareness and identity, the temptation to label instead of work through challenges, and the impact that has on resilience.

But they also offer hope.

Through their stories, we see what actually helps young people grow: consistent time with God, honest community, and adults who show up with authenticity—not perfection.

For parents, this episode is a reminder that your presence, your faithfulness, and the way you walk through hard things matter more than having all the right answers.

Because helping your child build resilience doesn’t start with fixing their struggles.

It starts with walking with them through it.

Episode Highlights

[01:30] A fun (and revealing) Gen Z slang quiz

[06:00] How Gen Z views mental health today

[09:30] Awareness vs. identity: where it gets tricky

[12:30] Why labeling struggles can limit growth

[14:00] What actually builds resilience

[16:00] The role of faith and daily rhythms

[18:30] Walking through anxiety and identity challenges

[21:00] Why community is essential

[23:30] The impact of parents during hard seasons

[25:00] Presence over perfection

[27:00] The value of mentors and other adults

[29:00] What teens really think about their parents

Resources Mentioned

📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group https://www.barna.com/mental-health/

Don’t Miss Out!

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And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram—we’d love to hear how you’re putting this into practice.

You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone.

Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.