Modern Wisdom #773 - Abigail Shrier - Debating Modern Therapy Culture & Gen Z
403 snips
Apr 20, 2024 
Abigail Shrier, a journalist and author known for her insights on therapy culture, dives deep into modern mental health issues facing Gen Z. She discusses the paradox of increased therapy use alongside rising mental health problems, warning against over-diagnosis and the risks of a therapy-centric environment. Shrier critiques the impact of social media and advocates for genuine emotional resilience over quick fixes. The conversation also touches on climate anxiety, mindfulness in schools, and the dangers of over-medication in youth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Over-Medicalization of Emotions
- Modern therapy culture may worsen mental health through over-treatment and diagnosis.
- This pathologizes normal emotions, convincing well individuals they are unwell.
Early Mental Health Diagnoses
- In 2016, 1 in 6 American children aged 2-8 had a mental health diagnosis.
- This includes ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder, and autism spectrum diagnoses.
Address Root Causes
- Address underlying life issues instead of suppressing emotional signals.
- Unhappiness can be a healthy response prompting needed change.