In this episode, Lisa and Zack discuss:

• Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder
• The role of technology and social media in contributing to Gen Z anxiety
• Evidence-based treatment approaches, including exposure therapy
• Parenting strategies to support anxious teens without reinforcing fear

Key Takeaways: 

• Anxiety can be defined as an overestimation of threat and an underestimation of one’s ability to cope, and it becomes a disorder when it causes significant dysfunction in daily life.
• Technology use often serves as a “medication” for uncertainty, providing short-term relief but contributing to worsening anxiety, with research suggesting decreased youth alcohol use but no mental health improvement.
• Accommodations, such as parents completing tasks for anxious teens, can unintentionally reinforce fears; asking guiding questions helps youth build coping skills.
• Exposure therapy works by gradually confronting fears until they become manageable or are disproven, reducing avoidance and increasing confidence.

 
“Fear and anxiety have an incredibly important role to play in our lives. It’s not all bad. It’s not a negative emotion, but it is an emotion that requires some understanding and some skill to address.” – Zack Schafer

Episode References:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036
• Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke: https://www.amazon.com/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence/dp/152474672X
• SPACE Treatment by Dr. Eli Lebowitz: https://www.spacetreatment.net/
• BePresent App: https://www.bepresentapp.com/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Zack:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainvalleytreatmentcenter/
Website: https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schafer-a6026b108/
Fear Less Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co