Gen Z teenagers often feel that they need to do everything as they prepare for their future - always doing, going, getting, and having - from their school work and testing to volunteering, friends, family and personal projects. And they're so enveloped in social media that there's a crushing pressure to be the perfect, well-rounded teen. As a result, Gen Z's mental wellness is being challenged, and often leads to depression, anxiety, even panic attacks.

Teens are so focused on the outside that they forget to focus on themselves too. That reality caused Myren to ask, "When will we get the chance to be?" In their view, Gen Z teenagers need to realize that it's okay to be still, to take breaks, mental health naps, and most importantly, to just be. Myren is a student at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx