Societal Pressure: Strategies to mitigate impact on youths

In a recent viral video, a Lagos socialite identified as Mrs Farida Sobowale, made news headlines as she parked her SUV on the congested Third Mainland Bridge and attempted to take her own life by plunging into the lagoon.

Fortunately, quick intervention from passers-by prevented her suicide attempt. However, this serves as a stark reminder that not everyone facing such struggles receives timely help.

Tragically, suicide is not a rare occurrence. Another example is Chukwuemeka Akachi, a fourth-year student at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), who took his own life in 2019, leaving a suicide note on his Facebook page.

Similarly, a young female banker took her life by allegedly swallowing insecticide in her office washroom.

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.”

While it’s important to emphasize that suicide is never an ideal solution, incidents like Mrs Sobowale’s attempted suicide bring attention to the serious challenges many Nigerian women face due to the immense societal pressures placed on them.

The demands and expectations entrenched in the culture can create overwhelming stress and contribute to mental health struggles.

What of the pressure placed on youths to excel academically, achieve numerous honors, and attain celebrity status in various fields? Unfortunately, in the face of economic challenges and the lure of quick wealth, some individuals, including parents, may inadvertently encourage their children to engage in illicit activities like internet fraud and money rituals.

Societal pressure can exert a profound impact on the well-being and development of youth. The expectations to conform to certain standards, whether academically, professionally, or socially, can lead to immense stress. This stress, if not effectively managed, may contribute to a range of negative outcomes, including mental health issues, substance abuse, self-esteem problems, and, in extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal tendencies.

In January 2022, the media published the story of 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.”

Causes of Societal Pressure

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.

Addressing these underlying causes

Addressing the root causes of societal pressure is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for youths. Achieving this goal is contingent upon implementing a series of steps, including:

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.

Most importantly, establishing a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes the well-being and development of youths, unburdened by societal pressures, is imperative. Through the implementation of these strategies, we can shield youths from the adverse effects of societal pressure and nurture their growth into resilient and fulfilled individuals.