Safe space!

- Pragya

To live as a teenager in this cruel world must be the hardest thing in existence. To fit in this society, to be perfect, to be the ideal kid, exceeding everyone’s standard expectations, all of it, to survive. But remember, you're not alone in feeling this way! Unfortunately, everyone in their life has to go through a phase like this, always trying to fit in.

Social struggles deeply frustrate young minds. Peer pressure, bullying, and exclusion breed loneliness and insecurity. Social media worsens this by fuelling unhealthy comparisons and the fear of judgment. It makes us feel trapped between fitting in and being ourselves, hiding behind shields of perfection, and making everyday things stressful. These may lead to overthinking and then mental health issues, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, with insecurities layered under the skin. Hence, being empathetic and understanding towards one another, communicating effectively, and creating a safe space become essential.

Encouraging one another should be one of our priorities when interacting with each other; we should encourage one another when they need help, because asking for help doesn't make anyone weaker. So next time you talk to someone, be kind, it's not that hard!