Finding Therapy Outside Therapy: Cozy Games, Toxic Friends, and Teen Mental Health
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Alvaro, a mental health professional and researcher, alongside STEAM Punks from Highlander Charter School. The group tackles the heavy realities facing today’s youth, confronting the alarming statistics that 1 in 9 teens, and over 30% of trans youth, have considered attempting suicide.
This candid conversation bridges the generational divide, exploring the unique pressures Gen Z faces, such as immense academic workloads, caring for siblings, financial stress, and neighborhood violence. Dr. Alvaro and the youth discuss practical ways to navigate these challenges, from setting emotional boundaries with "toxic" friends to using "cozy games" as a form of self-care and trauma relief. The episode also provides critical guidance on how marginalized and trans youth can seek therapy when they lack parental support or fear judgment. Ultimately, this episode is about finding community, knowing your resources (like 988, Trans Lifeline, and Call BlackLine), and making the choice to pursue joy in an oppressive world.

#YouthMentalHealth #GenZMentalHealth #TransYouthSupport #JoyfulRebellion #TeenTherapy #SettingBoundaries #CozyGames #BIPOCMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #SteamboxPodcast