Distress Tolerance: Where Has It Gone?

In this episode, with guest and colleague, Hannah Eastman, we explore a question many counselors are asking: Where has distress tolerance gone for Gen Z? We dive into the patterns we’re seeing in the therapy room and the cultural forces that may have shaped this shift. We discuss the rise of snowplow parenting, what it means to grow up as true digital natives, the intense fear of failure many young adults carry, and how constant screen use can numb emotions instead of helping process them. Together, we reflect on the pressures, patterns, and environments that may have contributed to Gen Z’s struggle to cope with everyday stress—offering a compassionate, curiosity-driven conversation about a complex issue.