Clinical Social Worker Discusses the Effects of Social Media on Teens
If you've spent any time on TikTok, Instagram, or podcasts recently, you've probably heard someone say:
"Let them."
Someone doesn't text you back? Let them.
Someone judges you? Let them.
Someone doesn't invite you? Let them.
The idea, popularized by Mel Robbins, has become one of the biggest mental health conversations online because it offers something many of us desperately want: relief from constantly worrying about what everyone else thinks.
As a therapist, I actually think there's a lot to like about the "Let Them Theory."
But like most viral mental health advice, it's only helpful when it's applied thoughtfully.
The reality is that healing isn't about ignoring your emotions or pretending you don't care. It's about learning what you can control, what you can't, and how to respond in ways that support your well-being.
The term "almond mom" has taken over social media, sparking conversations, and plenty of memes, about growing up with parents who were constantly dieting or closely monitoring food. Maybe your mom encouraged you to "just have a handful of almonds" instead of a meal. Maybe she labeled foods as good or bad, talked about calories at the dinner table, or frequently commented on her own body or yours. While the trend can be funny, it also resonates with many people because it reflects a very real experience: growing up surrounded by diet culture.
If you've ever wondered why you struggle to trust yourself around food or feel guilty after eating, your childhood experiences may be part of the story.
You might be familiar with visualization techniques, a very helpful way of managing anxiety and panic. What's really cool about visualization approaches is that they engage the same neural networks as if you were watching the action in real time. Studies have shown that visualization exercises can help regulate emotions, increase feelings of relaxation and reduce physiological stress responses - and the best part is that it’s so easy to do. Here are three visualization techniques to try next time you find yourself in a moment of anxiety or panic: