- By Laiba Shafique
UNSPOKEN STRUGGLES OF YOUTH
Bridging the Mental Health Divide
By Laiba Shafique
The 21st century’s most pressing concern is mental health, and upon examining history. We find a stark similarity between the centuries. Girls and boys across generations face numerous struggles, from harassment by family members to bullying by peers, Emotional bullying by a family member can take many forms, such as constant criticism, belittling, or dismissive behaviour. They often choose silence due to fear of not being believed.
Financial constraints may limit access to continued education, leading to feelings of inadequacy reinforced by relatives who emphasize one’s inferiority. Personal feelings. And emotions, including romantic inclinations, remain unshared with family due to a lack of confidence and a fear of misunderstanding. Both girls and boys suffer from unseen struggles; boys face harassment in the workplace and education sector but are silenced by rigid rules, regulations, and unsupportive home environments that prevent them from speaking out.
The current era lacks a supportive environment where youth can openly discuss their struggles, leading to excessive overthinking and mental health issues. Parents often compare their youngsters to other, fostering feelings of inadequacy. The pressure to achieve high grades is overwhelming, with failure seen as unacceptable. Parents rarely encourage their generation to embrace failure as a learning experience or offer reassurance that they will support them regardless of outcomes. Instead, societal expectations take precedence over a child’s well-being and perspective.
In today’s fast-paced world, a communication chasm often separates parents and young one, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even despair.
Let’s break the silence and create a world where youngsters feel heard, seen, and loved by embracing active listening, empathy, and validation. Let’s cultivate a culture of openness, respect, and trust where families can grow together in harmony. It’s time to bridge the gap and unlock the power of connection.
A psychotherapist, “Erum Nabeel Rehman” states that:
“Simply sharing your problems with your parents isn’t enough; you need to take proactive steps to find solutions. If they don’t understand your issues, consider seeking help from a therapist who can provide personalized guidance. Don’t let traditional family expectations hold you back; explore online therapy options or YouTube resources if needed.”
According to a recent survey we conducted, a staggering 75% of respondents reported having a strained or toxic relationship with their parents. This alarming statistic emerged from a pool of 45000 participants, aged 18-35, who shared their experiences and feelings about their family dynamics. The survey, which aimed to explore the state of parent-child relationships, revealed that a significant majority of respondents felt disconnected, unheard, or unsupported by their parents. Notably, 60% of these respondents were women, and 40% identified as men. Furthermore, 55% of participants reported experiencing emotional abuse or neglect, while 20% faced physical or verbal abuse and as per the poll, 75% of the people stated,
“If you divert your mind by engaging yourself in different activities, you will better cope with yourself. Take control by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and engaging in activities that bring joy. Nourish positive relationships and maintain a positive outlook to protect your mental well-being.”
Nurture your relationships with loved ones through open and honest communication. A positive mindset is your shield against the harmful effects of negativity. Don’t let it dim your light or erode your self-worth. You are worthy of love, care, and respect. Hold on to that truth and let it guide you towards a path of inner peace and self-validation.
As future parents, we have the privilege of shaping the next generation of innovators, and game-changers. By embracing mindful parenting, we can empower our generations to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.
Try these strategies to bridge the gap:
Creating a comfortable environment where your child feels safe sharing their struggles and emotions is crucial for their mental well-being. By fostering open communication and empathy, we can shatter the barriers that hinder our ability to connect and support one another. Just speak up about yourself always, and don’t let anyone ruin your mental peace.
