The research is clear: Gen Z reports the highest stress levels of any generation (6.1/10). Anxiety disorders among 18-25 year olds have increased 60-84% in just one decade. But is social media really the primary culprit?

In this episode, psychiatric nurse practitioners James Kennedy and Jon Murphy break down Developmental Reinforcement Theory (DRT) to explain what's really driving the mental health crisis among young adults. They explore how digital connection has replaced essential nervous system co-regulation during crucial developmental years, creating a generation suffering from "junk food social connection."

Topics include:

• How constant connectivity has transformed bullying from a school-only problem to an inescapable presence
• Why therapy often feels uncomfortable when it's actually working
• The neurobiological necessity of human connection during adolescent development
• Practical strategies for parents to help teens develop healthier digital habits
• The concerning impact of early pornography exposure on developing brains

Whether you're a mental health professional, parent, or concerned citizen, this episode offers evidence-based insights into what Gen Z is truly facing and practical approaches that actually help.

Keywords: Gen Z mental health, anxiety disorders, social media impact, developmental reinforcement theory, DRT, nervous system regulation, therapy expectations, digital detox, adolescent development, pornography exposure, co-regulation

James Kennedy is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and CEO of modern-mentality.com, a psychiatry practice serving New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Jonathan Murphy is the founder of myfocuspath.com and author of "CHEAT CODES: How I Hacked My ADHD Brain (AND YOU CAN TOO!)" - now available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/CHEAT-CODES-Hacked-Brain-Transformation-ebook/dp/B0FMJLQKBW/

For more insights, visit the Focus Path Insights blog at myfocuspath.blog and subscribe to the Compass Point Institute YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@compasspointinstitute

The Origin Story: How Compass Point Institute Came to Be

Jon Murphy opens up about the unexpected partnership that became Compass Point Institute, sharing the journey from recognizing James Kennedy at UMass orientation to their current collaboration.

Get the inside story of Jon's creative breakthrough in March 2025, his new book "Cheat Codes: How I Hacked My ADHD Brain," and the development of their "Quick Wins" concept.

Plus, honest insights about ADHD management, the power of incrementalism, and why "rolling before scrolling" might be the morning hack your dopamine system needs.

Links & Resources:
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@compasspointinstitute
📚 Get Jon's book "Cheat Codes: How I Hacked My ADHD Brain": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMJLQKBW
📝 Read more at Focus Path Insights: myfocuspath.blog

Wondering if you have ADHD? Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jon Murphy breaks down 8 years of clinical experience diagnosing and treating adult ADHD.

This episode reveals what actually happens during ADHD assessment and how practitioners really make medication decisions.

Jon explains the ADHD symptoms doctors look for beyond just attention problems, including executive function issues, the hyperfocus-inattention cycle, and why family history matters.

Learn how ADHD testing works, what differentiates real ADHD from anxiety or depression, and why some "perfect students" still have undiagnosed ADHD.

You'll discover the clinical framework for spotting authentic ADHD presentations across work, relationships, and daily life. Jon shares how stimulant medication decisions are made, what environmental factors can mask symptoms, and why he never immediately dismisses someone seeking ADHD diagnosis.

Whether you're considering ADHD evaluation, questioning a previous assessment, or supporting someone through the process, this episode gives you the practitioner's perspective on adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Perfect for anyone curious about ADHD signs in adults, the diagnostic process, or how ADHD medication really works.

COMPREHENSIVE CALL TO ACTION:

Ready to Go Deeper? Here's Your Complete CPI Ecosystem Access:

🎙️ THE CPI PODCAST NETWORK
Jump into our unfiltered conversations at cpipodcasts.transistor.fm where we tackle the topics therapy school didn't cover.
This is advanced coursework for people who've been through it and want real solutions that actually work.

TOXIC - Raw, weekly conversations between Dr. James Kennedy and myself covering controversial mental health topics, clinical cases, and industry insights. No spiritual bypassing, no toxic positivity, just evidence-based reality from two PMHNPs who combine clinical expertise with lived experience.

Survivor Notes - Personal and professional insights bridging clinical expertise with lived experience. This is where I explore being both healer and wounded, with practical nervous system regulation tools for trauma survivors and neurodivergent individuals.

📺 COMPASS POINT INSTITUTE YOUTUBE CHANNEL Subscribe for weekly educational content that cuts through the noise. We're building multiple series designed to anchor clinical identity while making complex concepts accessible:

"30 Second Therapy" - Bite-sized insights for busy humans navigating mental health challenges "Explained by x2 PMHNPs" - Clinical concepts broken down by two experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners
"Quick Wins" - Practical tools you can implement immediately in your personal healing or professional practice

Hit that bell 🔔 because YouTube's algorithm has attendance issues, and you don't want to miss class.

📖 FOCUS PATH INSIGHTS Access in-depth educational content at myfocuspath.blog where clinical insight meets practical application. This is your extended learning library covering ADHD nervous system regulation, complex trauma recovery strategies, attachment repair for adults, and evidence-based mental health education.

🎯 FOCUS PATH CLINICAL PRACTICE Ready for individualized care? I'm currently accepting new patients across New Hampshire, Washington, and Massachusetts for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Specializing in ADHD assessment and treatment, trauma-informed care, and medication management through secure telepsychiatry.

Visit www.myfocuspath.com to begin your clinical journey. This is where 8 years of diagnostic experience meets personalized treatment planning. Whether you're seeking ADHD evaluation, medication optimization, or trauma-informed psychiatric care, we provide evidence-based treatment without the institutional bureaucracy.

For mental health professionals: CEUs are in development for trauma-informed care, neurodivergent-affirming therapy, and advanced ADHD treatment approaches. Professional inquiries: info@compasspointinstitute.com

Disclaimer: Content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified mental health professionals for personalized care.

Compass Point Institute: Where evidence meets experience, and real education meets real healing.