How teen mental health influencers are redefining Gen Z’s conversations around anxiety and self-care

Once whispered about behind closed doors, mental health is now trending—and not in a superficial way. In 2025, teen influencers are leading a revolution in how we talk about anxiety, depression, therapy, and self-care. From viral TikToks to intimate Spotify podcasts, Gen Z isn’t just breaking the stigma—they’re rewriting the narrative entirely.

What’s changing? Everything.

With a smartphone and a story, today’s youth icons are making mental health as central to their content as #OOTDs and matcha runs. The difference? Vulnerability is the new power move.

• Emma Chamberlain shares raw reflections on therapy and burnout in her podcast, making listeners feel heard and human.
• Charli D’Amelio regularly opens up about anxiety and internal pressure to her 150M+ TikTok followers—showing that even ‘perfect’ lives have rough edges.
• Nessa Barrett turns pain into pop with emotional tracks that hit the heart and speak the truth about mental struggles.
• Sadie Sutton uses her podcast The She Persisted Podcast to dive into therapy journeys, featuring both professionals and peers.

Why it matters: By normalizing therapy, celebrating self-care, and acknowledging emotional lows, these creators build not just brands—but safe spaces. Their authenticity has empowered fans to seek help, talk openly, and prioritize mental wellness.

New voices, same mission

Advocates like Jazz Thornton, a New Zealand activist and filmmaker, use storytelling to explore real-life journeys through depression and suicide prevention. Her digital campaigns and documentaries aren’t just powerful—they’re life-saving. Meanwhile, Gael Aitor, through his podcast Teenager Therapy, makes emotional check-ins a regular ritual for thousands.

But it’s not just talk.

• Guided journal prompts shared via Stories
• Q&A sessions with licensed therapists
• Playlists designed for mental resets
• Tips for healthy boundaries online

Influencers are not replacing therapists—but they are opening the door to conversations we’ve avoided for too long.

How can you protect your peace?

Social media can be overwhelming, but it can also be a tool for healing. Curate who you follow. Mute negativity. Engage with creators who offer support, not stress. As these young leaders show, mental health isn’t a side note—it’s part of the main feed.

In a world of filters and FOMO, honesty is the real flex. Whether you’re listening to Emma talk self-growth over matcha or watching Charli dance her way through a bad day, the message is crystal clear: feeling everything is normal. And you’re not alone.