In a deeply concerning trend, societal pressure is taking a severe toll on the mental health of Nigerian youths, leading to depression, substance abuse, and in tragic cases, suicide.
One such case went viral when a Lagos socialite, Mrs. Salome, parked her SUV on the Third Mainland Bridge and attempted to jump into the lagoon. Thankfully, passers-by intervened in time.
Others, however, have not been as fortunate. In 2019, Chukwuemeka Akachi, a promising fourth-year student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, died by suicide after posting a farewell note on Facebook. Similarly, a young female banker ended her life by ingesting insecticide, overwhelmed by pressure and despair.
We could feel her misery, despair, depression, and strain from a published suicide note she left behind.
According to reports the suicide note read, “Nothing is working in my life. My figures are low. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting harder. My decisions are wrong. My mind is messed up. The future doesn’t seem bright at all. I see extreme hardship. I can’t bear the pain anymore.”
Although suicide is not an option, Mrs Salome was one of numerous Nigerian women who committed suicide as a result of the huge demands culture places on them.
We expect our youths to excel academically, win numerous honors, and become celebrities in sports, music, and other fields. In this day of internet fraud and money rituals, there are reports of parents encouraging their children to follow those ignominious paths in their pursuit of rapid cash. All of these are societal pressure, which needs to be curtailed.
Societal pressure can have a significant impact on the well-being and development of youths. It can create immense stress, leading to various negative outcomes such as mental health issues, substance abuse, self-esteem problems, and even self-harm or suicidal tendencies.
In January 2022, the media published the story of a 32-year-old Afeez Olalere, who, following his arrest by the Lagos State Police Command, confessed that his mother encouraged him to kill his younger brother for money ritual and also took him to a herbalist who told him that he “must sacrifice one life, which must be a sibling” if he wanted “to be successful in the Yahoo business.”
Societal pressure can arise from various factors and influences some of which are;
- Cultural and societal norms: Societies often have established expectations and norms regarding behavior, appearance, success, and relationships. These standards can be deeply ingrained and enforced, placing pressure on individuals to conform and meet these expectations.
- Media and advertising: Media platforms, including advertising, mainstream media, and social media, can reinforce idealized and often unrealistic images of beauty, success, and happiness. Constant exposure to these representations can lead to a sense of inadequacy and the pressure to measure up to these standards.
- Peer pressure: The desire to fit in and be accepted can result in individuals feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations set by their peers.
- Family and parental expectations: Parents or guardians may have specific expectations for academic success, career choices, or conforming to cultural norms, placing significant pressure on children to meet these expectations and gain their approval.
- Educational institutions and competition: The pressure to excel academically, achieve high grades, and secure prestigious opportunities can contribute to the societal pressure faced by youths.
- Economic factors: Economic The focus on financial success and material possessions creates pressure to pursue certain careers to meet the perceived expectations of society.
- Fear of judgment and rejection: The fear of being judged or rejected by others can create significant societal pressure.
It is important to recognize and address these underlying causes of societal pressure to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for youths and this can only be possible if one applies some of these steps:
- Encourage open dialogue: Create a safe and supportive environment where youths feel comfortable expressing their feelings
- Provide education on media literacy: Teach youths about the manipulation techniques used in advertising and media, helping them become critical thinkers
- Promote diverse role models: Introduce youths to a variety of individuals who have achieved success and happiness in unconventional ways.
- Foster self-acceptance and self-love: Encourage youths to embrace their unique qualities and talents.
- Teach coping skills: Provide youths with tools to manage stress and cope with societal pressure. This can include techniques such as mindfulness, time management, problem-solving, and finding healthy outlets for emotions.
- Implement inclusive policies and practices: This includes promoting diverse representation, challenging stereotypes, and creating inclusive spaces that value and respect individuals for who they are.
Above all, it is necessary to create a supportive ecosystem that values the well-being and development of youths, free from the weight of societal pressures. By implementing these strategies, we can save youths from the detrimental effects of societal pressure and foster their growth into resilient and fulfil
About the Author
