There’s something happening among teenagers today– they’re beginning to ask for help. Whether it’s seasonal depression, pressure from school or family issues, more teens are turning to therapy as a way to understand themselves. This shift sharply contrasts past generations, who grew up believing therapy was only for “serious” problems. While they were taught to ignore their problems, Gen Z is facing them.

Gen Z teenagers have grown up with the rise of social media, through the COVID-19 pandemic, political tension, school safety drills, and the constant pressures of climate change. The result has been a decline in mental health, but also a massive uprise in open-mindedness. According to Harmony Healthcare, disorders like ADHD, PTSD, OCD and various eating disorders are becoming more common among youths, reflecting the wide range of mental-health pressures we’re dealing with. But there’s another side to the story: teens today are more willing to talk about these issues. Two out of every five teenagers regularly attend therapy, and 53% have sought professional mental-health services at least once. Even more telling, 87% say they feel comfortable discussing mental health, and over 60% feel comfortable sharing their struggles with others.

As more teens turn to therapy and speak openly about mental health, the stigma that surrounds asking for help is finally starting to fade. They’re learning that getting support is normal, healthy, and necessary– and that’s something to be proud of. By choosing to face their struggles instead of hiding them, they aren’t just taking care of themselves, but making it easier for the next generation to do the same.