Why does a single mark in exams, a social media post, or a moment of failure feel overwhelming to adolescents today? At what point does everyday stress turn into something deeper? Experts at a symposium in Hyderabad said these experiences often signal underlying mental health challenges shaped by changing social expectations, stigma and limited access to timely support.
The panel discussion, held as part of a symposium on ‘Addressing adolescent mental health using life skills education’ organised by the George Institute for Global Health, brought together practitioners and policymakers to examine not only what adolescents are going through, but also how society is responding.
Raghuveer Raju from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, said the nature of pressure among adolescents has undergone a significant shift. If parental expectations once dominated, young people now are placing even greater demands on themselves. With social media pressures, the need to present an idealised self is pushing adolescents towards unrealistic standards. “Such pressures can also push adolescents towards early exposure to substances. Even occasional use can develop into dependency, particularly when it begins at a young age,” he added.
