11 Jun Teen Voices on Mental Health: Then and Now
The kids are alright. Right?
In 2022, as schools reopened and lockdowns lifted, we sat down with teens navigating the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their stories were raw, honest, and deeply human.
Now, in 2025, we’ve followed up. What’s changed? What hasn’t?
This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, we returned to these young people to hear how their perspectives on life and mental health have evolved. Across a seven-part video series, they speak openly about stress, identity, social media, and the importance of being heard.
Each video explores a different facet of teen wellbeing:
• Teen Wellbeing after the COVID Pandemic — Angelina reflects on how the pandemic shaped her social life, and how those effects linger in college.
• What is Mental Health? — Teens share what mental health means to them, in their own words.
• Pressure — Then and Now — Leah discusses the burden of perfectionism and the power of self-compassion.
• Stepping Back from Social Media — Blake talks about tuning out the noise and reclaiming peace of mind.
• Being Yourself vs. Fitting into a Mold — Zander opens up about peer pressure, self-expression, and identity.
• Advice for Adults — Listen to Your Teens — Teens offer heartfelt advice on how adults can better support them.
• Reflecting on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Looking Ahead — A look at who they were, who they are now, and who they’re becoming.
We invite you to hear directly from them.