IN today’s world, problems like stress and anxiety are rife among people. Contrary to common belief, young people fall prey to these problems more often than the others for multiple reasons, ranging from academic pressure to relationship issues and financial strains.

In Pakistan, many young people suffer from stress on a daily basis. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), teens report higher levels of stress than adults. The leading factor in this regard is the pressure to do well in studies in an environment marred by unnecessary cut-throat competition and subsequent societal pressure from parents and teachers alike to adhere to the established standards of ‘competence’. An online survey in the United Kingdom found that six out of 10 young people aged 18-24 feel stressed and are unable to cope with the pressure to succeed.

Financial stress is no less of importance as finances define the worth of a person in today’s materialistic world. Men feel the pressure more in this regard and are expected to fulfil all the financial needs and demands of the family amid soaring prices and rising inflation. However, what they expect — proper employment opportunities in accordance with their qualifications — is not provided to them by the government.

These sufferings take a toll even on one’s relationships. Stressed people become a nuisance for people around them because they fail to carry out their responsibilities and sometimes even vent out their anger on those who have little to do with their stress. Gradually, such people end up isolating themselves from one and all.

Career issues also cause stress among the young. People are worried about their career as they want to make their future better, but many of them do not have jobs despite having academic qualifications. Even those who have jobs complain about being overburdened with work and the general lack of professionalism in the market.

There are many ways to reduce and avoid stress. A person who is suffering from stress should provide the body what it needs the most; healthy exercises and sound sleep. Moreover, people should spend more time with friends and family to avoid stress. Healthy diet and reading books can also help reduce stress. Yoga and therapy sessions are also among the effective solutions. A huge amount of stress can be reduced by implementing these easy solutions.

Everyone faces problems in life, but one should not let these problems take a toll on one’s mental and physical health or on social relationship. Let’s be as tough as life is.

Fatima Aamir
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2022