In today's fast-paced environment, young people appear globally connected through social media platforms, yet many experience deep isolation and internal mental strain. Wearing a mask of happiness and pretending everything is fine, numerous youths silently battle severe anxiety, loneliness, and worries about their future. Academic pressure, family expectations, the desire to carve out an identity, and the relentless race to outperform peers take a heavy toll on their mental well-being. Amidst these harsh realities, the critical question arises as to what exact circumstances drive certain young individuals to contemplate extreme steps like self-harm. Addressing this pressing issue, Dr. Anveeti Gupta, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Psychology at Sharda University, pointed out multiple underlying social, familial, and psychological factors.
Fading Human Touch in the Digital Era
The expert noted that interpersonal communication has largely shifted toward the internet and social media channels today. Individuals readily share their thoughts and minor grievances online, yet struggle to converse openly with people physically present around them. This shift profoundly impacts the depth of human relationships. In earlier times, mutual connection and the emotional capacity to understand each other's struggles were far more visible, but today that warmth and trust appear weakened across many bonds. Comprehending a person's distress, standing by them during difficult times, and offering genuine emotional support remain absolutely crucial. Interacting solely through digital screens can never fully satisfy a person's core emotional requirements. When a young person fails to share their worries with anyone, feelings of isolation naturally intensify within them.
Pressures Ranging From Academics to the Future
She explained that contemporary youth navigate multiple layers of pressure simultaneously. On one front, there is the persistent anxiety of succeeding academically and professionally, while on the other, the heavy weight of meeting family and societal expectations persists. Everyone aspires to achieve greatness and build a distinct identity. However, when a wide gap exists between these soaring aspirations and available resources, youngsters begin feeling utterly helpless. Often, youth possess a strong drive to reach their goals but lack clear guidance on how to navigate the path toward them. Under such circumstances, apprehension about the future, the dread of failure, and constant comparisons with others amplify their psychological stress. Since every individual's life circumstances differ, expecting identical success from everyone is entirely unjustifiable.
Fear of Being Perceived as Weak
Dr. Gupta pointed out that many young individuals withhold their mental struggles from family members or friends out of fear that others might view them as weak. Youths who project exterior confidence often harbor internal worries about fulfilling their responsibilities and securing their futures. When a person feels that no one is willing or able to understand their perspective, they tend to keep their troubles confined entirely to themselves. This tendency accelerates stress and loneliness. According to specialists, creating an environment where youth can express themselves freely without any fear or hesitation is an absolute necessity.
Open Communication Between Parents and Children
She emphasized that parental involvement plays a vital role in preventing tragic incidents. Parents must interact with their children not merely from a traditional authoritative standpoint, but occasionally as trusted friends. Adults must acknowledge that the current social and educational landscape differs drastically from past generations. Rather than imposing personal ambitions onto children, parents should endeavor to understand their unique interests, capabilities, and concerns. Spending quality time with children, listening attentively, and teaching them the difference between right and wrong are indispensable steps. This approach encourages children to feel much more comfortable voicing their concerns.
The Crucial Role of School Counseling and Educators
According to the expert, educational institutions must maintain active counseling cells to ensure students battling mental distress receive timely assistance. Teachers should also act as mentors and reliable companions for pupils. Youths lack no innate capabilities, but frequently require correct direction and encouragement. Amidst the glamorous illusion of social media and external expectations, children must be taught that encountering failure in life is entirely normal and that self-harm is never a solution to any problem. Protecting youth requires a unified effort from families, educators, and society at large.
