Just Me Rod on Social Media and Therapy Shaping Millennial Anxiety
Anxiety has become a defining challenge of modern life, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. From the pressures of corporate America to the expectations set by social media, young adults today face a unique set of stressors. On a recent episode of Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, TikTok sensation Just Me Rod, who boasts 1.1 million followers for his candid and humorous takes on millennial anxiety, shared insights into the root causes of anxiety and how social media is shaping mental health conversations.
The Rise of Anxiety in Millennials
Rod attributes much of the anxiety crisis among young adults to the way mental health was treated in their formative years. “Therapy wasn’t something we talked openly about,” he explained, noting how past generations often brushed anxiety and emotional struggles under the rug. Many millennials entered the workforce with a “work hard, play hard” mindset, pushing their mental health concerns aside to keep up with relentless corporate expectations.
The pandemic, however, brought these issues to the forefront. “People were suddenly working from home, merging their safe spaces with their stressful work environments,” Rod noted. With no physical boundary between professional and personal life, the suppressed anxieties of years past began to surface, forcing individuals to confront their mental health more openly than ever before.
Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
While social media can exacerbate anxiety by presenting highly curated versions of people’s lives, TikTok has emerged as a unique space for authenticity. “Instagram is about perfection, but TikTok is where people are real,” Rod explained. Unlike heavily edited Instagram posts, TikTok videos often showcase people’s genuine struggles, making mental health discussions more accessible.
However, Rod also pointed out the dangers of the social media algorithm. “People are getting 10-second bursts of information, and they make snap judgments based on that,” he said. This has contributed to a culture of quick reactions and online call-outs, leading to heightened social anxiety, particularly among Gen Z. “We need to educate younger generations about critical thinking and how to process information without rushing to judgment,” he emphasized.
The Importance of Therapy and Emotional Awareness
Rod, who has worked with multiple therapists over the years, highlighted the importance of seeking professional help, especially for men, who often face stigma around mental health. “I put up a Q&A on Instagram about men’s mental health, and I got thousands of responses asking how to get boyfriends or husbands to go to therapy,” he shared. The misconception that therapy is only for those in crisis needs to change. “Therapy isn’t about fixing something broken; it’s about learning and growing. The most successful and fulfilled people I know have engaged deeply in therapy.”
Reconnecting with Reality
One of the biggest challenges of today’s digital world is learning how to disconnect. “I can’t remember the last time I bought a book or just sat with my thoughts without my phone,” Rod admitted. He has taken proactive steps to regain balance, such as going on walks without his phone, listening to city sounds instead of constantly using headphones, and placing his phone in another room to reduce screen time.
“We have to remember what made us happy before we had these devices in our hands all the time,” he said. Nostalgia plays a significant role in finding grounding activities—whether it’s running, playing sports, or simply engaging in face-to-face conversations.
What’s Next for Just Me Rod?
As Rod continues his journey, he plans to expand beyond TikTok with a podcast centered on millennial experiences and men’s mental health. “TikTok is fun, but I want to create a space for deeper conversations,” he explained. With his unique blend of humor, relatability, and vulnerability, Rod is not just making anxiety a topic of discussion—he’s helping to change the way we approach mental health altogether.
For more insights on mental health, social media culture, and millennial struggles, listen to the full episode of Heal Squad with Maria Menounos featuring Just Me Rod.
