231. gen z mental health: is it really that bad?? - a pediatrician’s take feat. dr. ken ginsburg

Sep 15, 2025

30:37

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#231 today’s guest is dr. ken ginsburg— a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine at the children’s hospital of philadelphia and a professor of pediatrics at the university of pennsylvania school of medicine. his research over the last 35 years has focused on facilitating youth to develop their own solutions to social problems and teaching clinicians how to better serve them.

in this episode, we unpack some of the most common myths and misconceptions about gen z mental health before diving into how gen z can collaborate with their families to get the mental health resources they need. finally, we share some essential steps for gen z to build their mental resilience and have strong mental health.

we talk about:

• what traits define gen z + common misconceptions about this generation

• negative labels about gen z + whether they’re accurate

• if gen z is really in a mental health crisis

• our response to parents who criticize gen z’s focus on mental health

• key steps gen z can take to improve their mental health

• a popular criticism of gen z and whether we agree with it

• current mainstream issues like the male loneliness crisis

• advice for parents on supporting their teens + getting them to accept help

• supporting a friend or a loved one who’s struggling

• four things that everyone in gen z needs to know

• one major way to build resilience