#128 Join Claudia on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an eye-opening conversation with Joe May and Perry Hawkins as they dive deep into the pressing issue of youth mental health, inspired by the book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. This enlightening episode explores the impact of technology and social media on today's youth, leading to heightened anxiety and mental health challenges.

Together, they discuss the rise in anxiety, the loss of unstructured play, and the pressure young people face from constant connectivity. They reflect on their own experiences growing up in different eras and explore how today's youth may be more vulnerable to mental health struggles due to the pervasive influence of technology.

Discover how the conversation extends beyond the book's findings, exploring strategies to support young people in managing technology use, fostering resilience, and rediscovering meaningful community connections. From their personal stories to practical insights, Joe and Perry discuss how we can help the younger generation find balance and reclaim their well-being in an increasingly digital world.

Key Topics:

• The rise of anxiety in today's youth and its connection to technology
• How the loss of free play and unstructured time affects mental health
• The impact of social media and constant news cycles on well-being
• Generational shifts in coping with mental health issues
• Practical steps to reduce anxiety through community and real-world connections
• Why fostering resilience and self-awareness is key to overcoming challenges

Tune in for a thoughtful and timely discussion on how we can better support the next generation in navigating the complexities of the modern world.