In a recent episode of the *Unpacking Truths* podcast, host Pastor Kendall welcomed Jessica Zaucha, a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the increasing awareness and challenges of mental health, particularly among youth. The conversation was both insightful and timely, addressing a growing concern about mental and emotional well-being in today's society.

The Growing Need for Mental Health Support

Jessica, co-owner of BZA Behavioral Health, one of the largest behavioral health practices in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, emphasized how rapidly the need for mental health services has increased. Her practice, which began with just two founders, now serves a wide demographic, with about 50% of their clients being under 22. This surge, she explains, highlights the real and pressing mental health crisis faced by today’s youth.

“We’re not just talking about this more, the need is real,” Jessica said, referencing alarming statistics like the rise in suicide rates, self-injury, and hospitalizations, particularly since 2008. 

Why Are Youth Struggling More?

Pastor Kendall raised a critical question: Are we simply more aware of mental health issues, or are there underlying factors causing increased struggles among young people? Jessica’s response was a resounding, “Yes and yes.” While increased awareness and reduced stigma play a role in more people seeking help, there is also a genuine rise in mental health challenges, particularly among younger generations. 

Gen Z (those born after 1995), for example, has seen a 150% increase in mental health symptoms since 2008, a staggering statistic compared to older generations. What’s causing this?

Technology and the Mental Health Epidemic

Jessica pointed to one major societal change that coincided with the rise in mental health issues: the widespread use of smartphones and social media. In 2008, smartphones became a staple in most people’s lives, and for youth whose brains were still developing, this new wave of constant digital interaction began to reshape how they processed the world.

“Our brains weren’t designed for this constant influx of information,” Jessica explained. In the past, people consumed news in small doses – a morning or evening news report. Today, both adults and youth are bombarded 24/7 with news, notifications, and social media, often triggering anxiety and stress.

Moreover, the shift in how young people engage with their peers has had a profound impact. As in-person community engagement has decreased, the reliance on digital connections has grown, leading to feelings of isolation despite being constantly "connected."

The Impact of Helicopter Parenting

Jessica also touched on parenting styles, particularly how fear-based or "helicopter" parenting can inadvertently harm a child's ability to build resilience. As parents, it’s natural to want to protect our children from every potential harm. However, Jessica cautions that overprotecting children from challenges prevents them from developing the skills to handle adversity.

“Humans are meant to struggle. We’re meant to take on challenges and be uncomfortable,” she said. The problem arises when kids don’t get the chance to fail or face difficult situations, leaving them unequipped to manage larger challenges as they grow older.

Building Resilience: What Can We Do?

The hosts and Jessica then turned to practical steps to foster mental health and resilience. Jessica offered several insights, starting with the importance of community. Whether it’s involvement in a faith-based group, local organizations, or family activities, being part of a supportive community gives people a sense of purpose, connection, and belonging, all of which are crucial to maintaining mental well-being.

Jessica also emphasized the importance of allowing kids (and ourselves) to struggle and face challenges. She advocated for a shift in parental language, encouraging parents to move away from constant reassurances like, “It’ll be fine,” to a more empowering message: “Maybe it will be tough, but you’ll handle it.”

Technology Boundaries

In a world where screens dominate, setting healthy boundaries is key, especially for children and teens. Jessica shared how she’s implemented a "no phones in the bedroom after dark" rule in her own home, explaining to her daughter that it’s about protecting sleep and peace of mind. This simple but effective boundary can help reduce anxiety and promote better mental health.

A Balanced Approach

At the heart of Jessica’s message is balance. She acknowledges that while there is no “cure” for mental health challenges, there are daily practices that can build resilience and foster a healthier mental state. She recommends focusing on what she calls "BASE-C" – Body, Achievement, Social connection, and Enjoyment with Connection as the center.

• Body: Engage in activities that promote physical health.
• Achievement: Set goals and pursue a sense of accomplishment.
• Social connection: Cultivate relationships that provide support and encouragement.
• Enjoyment: Find activities that genuinely bring joy, not just momentary distraction.

Faith and Mental Health

The episode concluded with a powerful reminder from Pastor Kendall on the importance of faith in navigating mental health challenges. While the world may feel uncertain and overwhelming, trusting in God’s plan can provide a sense of peace and purpose. As Pastor Kendall aptly put it, “When we try to control our future, we can’t. That’s the power of faith – turning over our worries to God and focusing on the present.”

Final Thoughts

Jessica Zaucha’s insights in this podcast episode offer a valuable roadmap for understanding and addressing mental health challenges, especially in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone looking to improve your own mental health, the strategies discussed in this episode are relevant and actionable. By fostering resilience, building community, and setting healthy boundaries, we can help ourselves and the next generation navigate the complexities of modern life with strength and grace.

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This episode of *Unpacking Truths* is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about mental health and how to support it, both in themselves and in others. Stay tuned for more conversations that dive deep into life’s most important topics!

To view the full episode, click HERE.