Advice for Young Adults Balancing Mental Health, School, Life and Porn Addiction

In response to a powerful message from an 18-year-old listener, Mark and Steve devote this episode to young adults balancing school, mental health, and porn addiction. They applaud the listener’s maturity and self-awareness and use his story as a springboard to discuss the foundational concepts of being “accountable” and “responsible.” They emphasize that healing begins with personal ownership and the ability to respond intentionally to life’s challenges, even in the face of ADHD, depression, or autism. Instead of viewing these conditions as limitations, they advocate for meeting oneself with compassion and working within real capacities to build healthy routines. The hosts stress the importance of developing a strong “why” and clear vision for one’s future—something to guide decisions and anchor motivation when life feels overwhelming. They discuss the power of consistency in self-care, even in small amounts, and the importance of celebrating small wins instead of chasing unrealistic expectations. Mark and Steve also explain how sexual urges are natural and should be reframed as creative energy that can be redirected, especially when emotions like boredom, stress, or loneliness are triggering the urge to escape. They close by urging young adults to invest in meaningful relationships, align their time with their deepest values, and stay connected to supportive communities like 12-step groups or recovery programs such as Dare to Connect. Using practical tools like daily visioning and priority alignment exercises, they encourage listeners to reduce cognitive dissonance and live more authentically. Their message to all struggling young people is clear: you’re not alone, you’re not broken, and your path to healing is absolutely possible—one small, consistent step at a time. For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to: Advice for Young Adults Balancing Mental Health, School, Life and Porn Addiction Learn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at— daretoconnectnow.com Find out more about Steve Moore at: Ascension Counseling Learn more about Mark Kastleman at: Reclaim Counseling Services