How the She Persisted podcast is changing teen mental health for young women everywhere

If mental health had a Gen Z cool girl spokesperson, it would be Sadie Sutton. With her podcast ‘She Persisted’, the University of Pennsylvania psych major—and real-life survivor of teen depression—has created far more than a weekly chat show. Launched in 2019, Sadie’s mission is clear: to ease emotional struggles for teens by talking about them.

Her strength? Turning vulnerability into empowerment. After intensive treatment for severe anxiety and depression in her teens, Sadie came back stronger—armed with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (aka DBT) skills and a determination to start the conversation on mental health. Nearly 4 years and over 100 episodes later, she’s created a space that’s part community, part therapy toolkit, and totally relatable.

So, what exactly is DBT—and why is Sadie such a fan?

DBT is a therapeutic approach originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder but now widely used to help manage a range of emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression. In Sadie’s words, “DBT gave me the tools to manage my emotions when everything else felt out of control.” On the podcast, she breaks down these tools—like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindful communication—so you can actually use them in everyday life.

• Feeling overwhelmed at school? Check out her episode on coping ahead and crisis planning.
• Friendship drama? Learn how to set healthy boundaries with grace.
• Anxiety spirals? Sadie’s got techniques that bring you back to calm.

But “She Persisted” is more than therapy talk. Each episode is a safe space where mental health isn’t taboo—it’s just part of being human. Sadie regularly brings on clinical psychologists, social workers, coaches, and peers to unpack tough topics with warmth and total transparency. From journaling prompts to crisis hotlines, she serves up real resources for anyone struggling—or supporting someone who is.

And yes, she gets personal. Episodes dive into her own treatment experience, how she navigated life post-recovery, and the authentic challenges that still show up. That unfiltered lens is what makes her podcast stand out in a sea of mental health content—it’s not about perfection, but progress.

Why teen mental health matters more than ever

With mental health struggles on the rise among Gen Z (especially young women), “She Persisted” arrives like a light in the fog. For a generation navigating social media anxiety, academic pressure, and real-life identity crises, wellness can feel like just another checklist. Sadie’s voice reminds us: You’re not broken. You’re human.

Top reasons to tune into She Persisted:

• It’s mental health talk, minus the stigma.
• Sadie’s story is proof that healing is possible.
• The episodes are practical, honest, and oddly comforting.
• You’ll learn DBT skills to actually use IRL.
• It’s made by a young woman, for young women (and anyone who needs it).

Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to support a friend, “She Persisted” arms you with tools, perspective, and the gentle push to keep going. And if you want to get involved—good news. Sadie is open to collaborations, guest submissions, and DM convos. As she often says: “Mental health isn’t a solo journey—you don’t have to do it alone.”

Need immediate support? Sadie includes hotline and counseling links on her website and in every episode description—because access matters. Find them, use them, share them. No shame here, only support.

Ready to start your self-growth era? Subscribe to “She Persisted”, hit play, and be reminded how powerful it is to speak up—and to heal.