8 Mental Health Tools Gen Z Swears By

Jan 26

How the Most Self-Aware Generation Is Protecting Their Peace.

A group of Gen Zers using mental health tools

Mental health isn’t a “nice to have” for Gen Z; it’s non-negotiable. Often labeled as the most stressed yet emotionally intelligent generation, Gen Z has normalized therapy talk, emotional boundaries, and putting inner peace as a priority in ways previous generations never did.

From apps and routines to cultural shifts and community-driven healing, Gen Z is exploring what mental wellness looks like in real life. And unlike the “just tough it out” mentality of the past, this generation is choosing tools that are accessible, customizable, and stigma-free.

Here are 8 mental health tools Gen Z swears by, and how they’re protecting their peace.

ALSO READ: 7 Myths Older Generations Believe About Gen Z (And Why They’re Wrong)

1. Therapy Apps & Virtual Counseling

Gen Z grew up online, so it’s no surprise that therapy has followed suit. Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Teen Counseling have become go-to resources, especially for young people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout. Virtual therapy also removes geographic barriers and makes mental health support feel less intimidating, especially for first-timers.

Why Gen Z loves it:

No waiting rooms or awkward first visits
Flexible scheduling around work or school
Options for texting, voice notes, or video sessions
More affordable than traditional therapy

2. Journaling (But Make It Digital)

Journaling has gone from dusty notebooks to modern apps like Day One, Journey, and Notion templates built specifically for mental health tracking. Many Gen Zers also swear by “brain dump” journaling, a no-rules method of getting thoughts out of their head and onto the page (or screen).

Gen Z uses journaling to:

Process emotions in real time
Track moods and triggers
Practice gratitude without toxic positivity
Vent freely with no judgment or audience

3. Meditation & Mindfulness—Without the Woo

Forget hour-long silent retreats. Gen Z prefers short, practical mindfulness tools that fit into real life. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations as short as 3–10 minutes. Gen Z understands that mindfulness is more about regulation than it is about perfection.

Popular Gen Z-friendly practices include:

Box breathing
Body scans for anxiety
“Reset” meditations between classes or meetings
Sleep-focused audio tracks

4. Boundaries as a Mental Health Tool

One of Gen Z’s most powerful mental health tools doesn’t come in app form; it comes in language.

Phrases like:

“That doesn’t work for me.”
“I don’t have the capacity right now.”
“I’m protecting my peace.”

…are no longer considered rude; they’re actually considered healthy.

Gen Z is actively:

Limiting access to emotionally draining people
Unfollowing content that triggers comparison
Saying no without over-explaining
Prioritizing rest over overcommitment

5. Social Media—Used Intentionally

While social media often gets blamed for mental health struggles, Gen Z has flipped the script by using it as a tool instead of a trap. Platforms like TikTok have made mental health education more accessible, breaking down complex topics like ADHD, CPTSD, anxiety, and burnout into digestible conversations.

They follow:

Therapists and licensed clinicians
Mental health advocates
Trauma-informed educators
Relatable creators who normalize imperfection

6. Movement That Feels Good (Not Punishing)

Gen Z is less focused on “earning food” or punishing workouts and more focused on movement as mood regulation.

Popular choices include:

Walking for mental clarity
Yoga and Pilates
Dance workouts
Stretching before bed
Gym sessions without pressure to “go hard”

7. Creative Expression as Therapy

Art can be used as a coping mechanism. Creative expression allows Gen Z to process emotions they don’t always have words for, and it’s one of the most underrated mental health tools out there.

Gen Z uses:

Music playlists for emotional processing
Writing poetry or spoken word
Painting, digital art, and photography
Content creation as storytelling

8. Community & Peer Support

This generation understands that healing doesn’t happen in isolation.

From group chats and Discord servers to support groups and online communities, Gen Z leans into shared experiences. They value being seen, heard, and validated, especially by people who “get it.”

Community provides:

Emotional safety
Accountability
Reduced stigma
A reminder that they’re not alone

Whether it’s therapy apps, journaling, boundaries, or creative expression, Gen Z proves that mental wellness doesn’t have to look one way. It just has to work.

And honestly? Other generations might want to take notes.