Why are safe spaces potentially harmful to mental health development, and what therapeutic approach should be used instead?

According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, safe spaces have been destructive to mental health over the past 15 years because they promote avoidance of discomfort, which contradicts fundamental principles of psychological resilience. Mental health requires exposure therapy - individuals with anxiety disorders must "lean in" to their fears, and those with OCD need controlled exposure to triggers. While this exposure should be administered in tolerable doses with proper support, the core principle remains that avoiding uncomfortable situations prevents the development of healthy, resilient individuals. True mental wellness comes from confronting fears rather than creating protective barriers against them.