Adult dummies, bathroom camping – Headspace expert says Gen Z coping measures are not as strange as they seem

Adult dummies, ‘bathroom camping’ and ‘crashing out’ are some of the seemingly bizarre coping strategies used by Gen Zers – but experts say there’s science behind the approaches.

Dummies for adults, “bathroom camping” and “crashing out” are all coping strategies some Gen Z are using to deal with complex mental health challenges.

While these concepts appear strange and new, experts say they’re coping strategies used by most generations but with a new name coined by Gen Zers born between 1996-2012.

News Corp’s Can we Talk campaign this year highlighted the importance of having conversations about mental health.

Research commissioned by News Corp found Gen Z is more than twice as likely as older generations to retreat or stay home when struggling and are more likely to suffer emotional volatility.

Headspace manager of clinical advice Caroline Thain said some Gen Zers’ coping mechanisms for mental health challenges are grounded in science and human habits, but could be improved.

Caroline Thain has 20+ years experience as an occupational therapist.

Adult pacifiers

TikTok and Instagram users are spruiking the benefits of ‘adult pacifiers’, also known as ‘soothers’ or ‘adult dummies’.

While some fringe groups promote it for sexualised purposes, most proponents say it’s a useful sensory tool to relieve stress.

Ms Thain said the practice was not widespread among Australian Gen Z, but the use of “oral motor strategies” is advised by therapists in some cases.

“It’s known as ‘oral motor strategies’,” the occupational therapists said.

“It allows a person to regulate their body.

One of the latests coping strategies is using an adult dummy to avoid spitting the dummy. Picture: TikTok

Social media users say it helps them cope with mental health challenges. Picture: TikTok

“Moving muscles in the jaw or particular sensations in the mouth can have different ways of regulating the body. Sensory motor strategy have huge benefits in terms of self-regulating.”

Ms Thain said although some people may find soothers unusual, if it works for young people, then she would not advise against it.

She did recommend other alternative which may be more socially acceptable, including special chewable jewellery and oral motor toys.

Bathroom camping

Bathroom camping is simply escaping from stressful situations. Picture: TikTok

Bathroom camping involves Gen Z escaping to a bathroom as a sanctuary from anxiety and stress.

“Bathroom camping may be a new term, but it’s not a new strategy,” Ms Thain said.

“It’s about taking a break, pausing a stressful situation, or de-escalating yourself in a place where you're less simulated.

“This is nothing new – there are lots of other generations who also take a pause in other ways.”

Ms Thain said bathroom camping can be helpful, but long term avoidance strategies are discouraged.

“Avoidance as a long-term strategy can actually increase anxiety,” she said.

Crashing out

Crashing out is characterised by feeling overwhelmed and upset. Picture: TikTok

You probably say “flip out”, “meltdown” or “hissy fit” – the newest term is “crashing out”.

Ms Thain said the meaning is broad, but basically involves a young person becoming very upset.

She advised parents to promote positive coping strategies when young people become overwhelmed.

“For example, encouraging young people to tune in with their body, and understand their body signals when they are building (tension).

“It’s about giving young people permission to exert energy that is more helpful when dealing with emotions.”

Best advice

Ms Thain’s consistent advice was to have conversations with Gen Z when they use these terms to understand what they mean and avoid generalisations.

“It’s really important as parents and families to ask our young people what they means when they use these terms,” she said.

“Individuals have different interpretations and we can’t assume we know what they’re talking about.

“It’s very helpful to understand how they cope with stressful situations.

“It’s as simple as asking them, ‘what do you do when you’re feeling stressed before an exam?”

Headspace is another service available for young people, providing mental health and wellbeing support to young people aged 12-25 years old.

“We are here to meet young people where they’re at,” Ms Thain said.

What techniques do you or your kids use to reduce stress? Leave a comment below or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Adult dummies, bathroom camping – Headspace expert says Gen Z coping measures are not as strange as they seem