The Pressure to Succeed and Its Impact on Youth Mental Health. Women Aid Liberia Executive Director Speaks at Radio Gbenzohn
On February 12, 2025,The Executive Director of Women Aid Liberia recently participated in a thought-provoking discussion on Radio Gbenzohn where she was invited to speak and engage with the young people of Grand Bassa County on a critical topic: "The Pressure to Succeed and the Impact It Has on Youth Mental Health." In an era of intense competition and heightened expectations from society, family, and self, this dialogue provided a vital platform to explore the psychological burdens young individuals face and strategies to manage them effectively.On this platform,she created rooms to discuss key challenges and solution strategies youths can use to break these ties.
Understanding the Mental Health Challenges Faced by Youth
The conversation underscored the substantial impact of mental health struggles on young people striving to achieve success in various aspects of life.
Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout: The relentless pursuit of success often leads to overwhelming stress, anxiety, and depression. Many young people find themselves struggling to meet unrealistic expectations, leaving them feeling emotionally and physically drained.
The Comparison Trap: Social media platforms have amplified the tendency to compare one’s progress with the seemingly perfect lives of others. These carefully curated portrayals can distort reality, fostering feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt
Fear of Failure: Many young individuals avoid taking risks due to an ingrained fear of failure. However, setbacks and missteps are integral to growth, as even the most accomplished personalities have encountered and overcome failures.
Early Burnout: The culture of constant hustling has led many young people to work tirelessly, sacrificing rest and self-care. However, excessive exhaustion undermines both physical and mental well-being, making long-term success unsustainable.
Family and Societal Expectations: Many youths feel pressured to pursue conventional career paths such as medicine, law, or engineering—often at the expense of their passions and personal fulfillment. The notion of success should encompass happiness and purpose, rather than just financial achievement.
She also make recommendations on strategies to Alleviate Pressure and Foster Mental Well-being
Through the discussions held, she provided valuable insights and pointed out key important points on how young individuals can redefine success and cultivate a balanced approach to life.In her statements:
" Redefine Success Personally Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether it involves professional achievements, personal growth, or overall well-being, individuals should define success based on their values rather than societal norms
" Recognizing That Social Media is Not Reality: The seemingly flawless success stories shared online often conceal struggles and setbacks. Young people should remain focused on their unique journeys rather than comparing themselves to others."
"Embrace Failure as a Learning Experience: Failure should be seen as a stepping stone to growth rather than an endpoint. Mistakes provide valuable lessons and can serve as catalysts for personal and professional development."
"Prioritize Mental Health Over Achievement: Achievements are meaningless if they come at the cost of well-being. A fulfilling life requires balance, ensuring that mental and emotional stability are given precedence over relentless ambition."
"Take Breaks and Enjoy Life: Hard work is necessary for success, but so is relaxation. Regular breaks, engaging in leisure. activities, and spending time with loved ones help prevent burnout and enhance overall productivity."
"Building a Support System: Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive individuals can make a significant difference. True friends and mentors encourage balance and provide guidance during challenging times
"Listening to Trusted Advice: Family and friends often offer valuable insights, recognizing when it’s time to slow down or reassess goals. Accepting constructive feedback can prevent unnecessary stress and misdirection.
The Executive Director of Women Aid Liberia Mrs Vanyan concluded the discussion by emphasizing that ambition and success should not come at the expense of mental health. Young individuals must focus on their individual paths, set realistic goals, and cultivate a holistic approach to achievement. Success is not a race—it is a journey that should be both rewarding and sustainable.By fostering open conversations and promoting mental well-being, society can help ease the pressures placed on young people, enabling them to pursue success in a healthier and more balanced manner. She also urge parents to allow their younger ones to choose their own career paths and create time to serve as a guardian through their journey.
