YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

1. Academic Pressure & Future Uncertainty

1.1 Definition (Explained)

• Academic Pressure: When students feel they must meet high expectations from parents, teachers, or society. This pressure creates emotional stress that affects concentration, motivation, and wellbeing.

• Future Uncertainty: Worry or fear about what will happen after school or college—career, job security, financial stability, and life direction. Youth feel confused about which path to choose.

1.2 Causes (Explained)

High parental and societal expectations

Parents often expect top results, scholarships, or high-paying careers. This creates constant tension and fear of failure.

Competitive schooling and exam-oriented system

Students are measured mainly by marks. This makes learning stressful instead of meaningful.

Lack of career counselling

Most youths do not know their interests or strengths. They choose subjects based on pressure, not passion.

Limited employment opportunities

Even after graduation, many struggle to find stable jobs. This uncertainty increases anxiety.

Fear of failure and comparison

Students compare themselves with classmates, relatives, or social media profiles. Comparison reduces confidence.

Economic instability

Financial challenges at home add pressure to become “successful” quickly.

1.3 Signs & Symptoms (Explained)

Emotional

• Anxiety, fear, irritability
  → Students feel overwhelmed and easily stressed.

Behavioural

• Avoiding study or skipping classes
  → Fear and pressure cause withdrawal and poor participation.

Cognitive

• Poor focus, perfectionism, worst-case thinking
  → “If I fail this exam, my life is over.”

Physical

• Headache, fatigue, sleep problems
  → Stress manifests in the body.

1.4 Psychosocial Impacts (Explained)

Low self-esteem

Youth begin believing they are “not good enough.”

Burnout

Exhaustion from studying without rest or emotional support.

Drop in performance

Stress reduces memory and focus.

Depression / hopelessness

Extreme pressure leads to emotional breakdown.

Family conflict

Arguments and misunderstandings become more frequent.

Social withdrawal

Students avoid friends due to shame or overload.

Risk of self-harm

In severe cases, youth may feel trapped and hopeless.

1.5 Risk Factors (Explained)

• Over-controlling parents: High criticism lowers motivation.

• Poor coping skills: Youth lack stress-management strategies.

• Perfectionism: Fear of mistakes creates paralysis.

• Poverty: Growing financial pressure.

• Peer pressure: “Everyone is doing better than me.”

• Lack of support: No trusted adult to share feelings.

1.6 Protective Factors (Explained)

• Supportive parent-child relationship
  Encouragement instead of punishment builds resilience.

• Balanced routine
  Time for hobbies, rest, and exercise reduces burnout.

• Guidance from teachers/mentors
  Helps youth make informed decisions.

• Career counselling
  Reduces confusion about the future.

• Emotional regulation skills
  Youth can manage stress better.

1.7 Intervention Approaches (Explained)

Psychoeducation

Teaching youth about stress, expectations, and healthy study habits.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Changing harmful thoughts like
“Failure means I’m useless” to
“Failure is part of learning.”

Career guidance

Helping youth understand their strengths and choose suitable paths.

Time management training

Planning studies reduces panic and procrastination.

Parent-teacher collaboration

Creating a supportive environment around the student.

Referral

Severe anxiety or depression requires mental health professionals.