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In this episode of Mindful Moments, Emma sits down with Stephanie Wangler, LPC, for an honest and timely conversation about productivity culture and its impact on young people’s mental health. From hustle culture and academic pressure to the constant expectation to “optimize” every part of our lives, Emma and Stephanie unpack how productivity has quietly become a measure of self-worth, and why that mindset is harming an entire generation.

Together, they explore how burnout, anxiety, and chronic stress are often normalized in school, early careers, and even advocacy spaces. Stephanie shares clinical insight into how productivity-driven thinking can reinforce perfectionism, people-pleasing, and shame cycles, while Emma reflects on what it means to build a life that prioritizes well-being over constant output. The conversation challenges listeners to redefine success, set boundaries, and recognize that rest is not laziness.

The episode also offers practical guidance on finding the right therapist. Stephanie walks through what to look for in a provider, how to know if a therapist is a good fit, what questions to ask in a first session, and how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of starting therapy. Whether you’re brand new to counseling or considering a switch, this conversation emphasizes that you deserve care that affirms your identity, your goals, and your lived experience.

At NAMI Oklahoma, we believe mental health advocacy includes dismantling systems and expectations that push young people to exhaustion. You are more than your GPA, your productivity, your job title, or your inbox.

To watch the video of this episode:

https://youtu.be/LVEOY8GcbrA

For information on and to register for our Change Maker event, use this link!
https://namioklahoma.org/event/mind-your-heart-evolve-your-mind/

For those in Oklahoma looking for support:

Mental health resources available in every county -
https://namioklahoma.org/resources/oklahoma-resources/

Free & Low-Cost mental health services in OKC area -

Collaborative Counseling and Training (NW OKC)
https://collaborative-ct.com/
405-659-0917

Congruence Counseling (Midtown OKC)
[email protected]
405-548-5781

Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma (Moore)
https://itsofok.com/
405-208-4469

Thousand Branches Wellness (OKC) https://thousandbrancheswellness.com/locations/oklahoma-city/
405-442-4498

Healing Place “Alikchi” (OKC) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/healing-place-alikchi-oklahoma-city-ok/31867

Hosts: Emma Valgora
Guest: Stephanie Wangler, LPC
Editor: Halee Harder
Recorded at The Village Library
NAMI Oklahoma Staff Mentors: Jason Musgrove and Lorna Palmer