The Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
A Call for Empathy and Action
As a mentor and leadership program facilitator, I have witnessed firsthand the increasing struggles that young people face when it comes to mental health. These struggles are not limited to one region or country, they are global challenges. In fact, the mental health crisis among youth today is one of the most significant and urgent issues that needs our attention. From anxiety to depression, young people across the world are grappling with an overwhelming sense of stress and uncertainty about their future.
It is true that every living generation, not just youth, faces these issues but, for the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on youth. Recently I was reminded that “In a world that is so connected, we are so alone”, a statement shared with me again by an extremely talented individual. If they are feeling it, what does it say abut the world we are living in today?
The Social Media Dilemma and Its Impact on Mental Health
One of the primary factors contributing to the mental health challenges faced by youth today is the overwhelming influence of social media. These platforms, while designed to connect people, have instead become breeding grounds for comparison, insecurity, and cyberbullying. In my work with young people, I’ve seen the impact of these pressures on emotional well-being. Young people are constantly exposed to idealised versions of others’ lives, and the pressure to measure up to those standards can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
While leading leadership programs, I’ve heard students express how they struggled to find their own identity amidst the constant noise of social media. While this issue is not specific to young people, it has led to an increasing need for emotional intelligence and self-awareness, traits that can help young people navigate their inner worlds more healthily.
Academic and Societal Pressure: The Unseen Burden
Another layer of stress comes from the academic and societal pressures young people face. Many students, are expected to perform at a high level in school, all while balancing familial expectations and the growing need to plan for a career. I’ve encountered young people who have big dreams, but are often burdened with the pressure to meet the expectations of their parents or community.
The weight of this pressure can result in burnout, self-doubt, and ultimately mental health struggles. However, in my leadership programs, I have also seen the power of emotional intelligence as an antidote to these pressures. By cultivating empathy, self-regulation, and resilience, students can better cope with these external expectations and build their confidence in their own capabilities.
Empowering Youth to Contribute to the Solution
What I find truly inspiring about the students I work with in Tanzania is their deep awareness of global issues, including the mental health crisis that they, themselves, are part of. In particular, two young female students I mentor are taking matters into their own hands by writing books that address the struggles of youth. They are writing about the feeling of not belonging due to skin colour and their central message is one of self-love and acceptance. They encourage their peers to find their voice, build confidence, and reject societal comparisons. This story isn’t just about identity, it’s about mental health and the importance of cultivating self-worth in a world full of external pressures.
As they write their books, they are becoming part of the solution by normalising these conversations, speaking out, and encouraging others to do the same. In many ways, their work embodies the emotional intelligence that is critical in this fight against mental health struggles. They are using their own experiences to show their peers that they are not alone in their feelings, and that it’s okay to reach out for support.
In addition to these students, others in my programs are advocating for young girls' education, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness of environmental issues like the accumulation of garbage and the impact of our waterways. These young leaders are not only aware of the pressing issues of today, they are actively working to bring about positive change.
By nurturing the leadership potential of these students, we can empower the next generation to face the mental health crisis head-on, using empathy, understanding, and self-awareness to overcome adversity. We are raising young people who don’t just acknowledge the challenges ahead but who are stepping up to contribute solutions that can inspire change on a global scale