Written By Yashvi Jalan (Grade 9)
“In order to get a decent job with adequate amount of salary education is essential.” “If you fail, you bring shame to your parents and make them vulnerable to social abuse.” “You have to get extraordinary grades or else I won’t talk to you.” “You got a 50% in Maths, I doubt your abilities.” “Your child is opting for Humanities! There is still time for her to reconsider her decision.”
Each and every teenager must have heard of at least one of the aforementioned either from their relatives or parents. Well, we may imply that we have ignored their sarcastic comments, however, it leaves a long-lasting impact upon us. Sometimes, this aftereffect gets so dominating that we have panic disorders or worse, we commit suicide.
The NCRB report accentuates the fact that 34% of teen suicides are because of family problems, mental pressure and anxiety which leads to neurosis and depression.
I was appearing for my class 9’s Mathematics annual examination. Being a student who immensely loves this subject, I had prepared thoroughly. Scoring exorbitantly high grades was my prime target. On receiving the question paper, I hurriedly flipped through the pages. All of a sudden, my brain went blank, I could not solve a single question. My hands froze, my pulse rate became high and I was profusely sweating. The invigilator patted my back and told me to write instead of staring blankly at the board. Somehow, I gathered my broken courage. The paper was a horrible one but I passed. On reaching home, I patiently sat down and began to look for the answers. To my amazement, I knew all of them. My grades would have flourished if I had only been calm and not stressed.
This incident is almost negligible but had it happened during my board examination, I would surely lose my sanity. Why?
The film “Chhichhore” showcases the same fact. How a teenager jumped off a building because he could not qualify in an entrance exam.
“Among more than 67,000 students surveyed, over 20 percent said that they experience stressful events which were strongly associated with mental health problems, including harming themselves and suicidal thoughts or attempts. In fact, there are some stresses that are exceeding the capacity of students to cope.” – Steven Reinberg, Health Day Reporter
Today, millions of teenagers are constantly fighting anxiety. Even a minor taunt, pushes them into an ocean of misery. Our society has always been hypercritical and it is impossible to change this. However, we have to realize that our life is a blessing from God. It is not ours to destroy. All we can do is utilise it to the fullest. Wanting to die is a sin. Undoubtedly one must accept death as and when it comes but don’t be the reason to bring it closer.
“Keep reminding yourself that you are stronger than your anxious, scary, intrusive thought. They will pass, they always do. You are so brave as you have endured them.” – Unknown.
Featured Image Courtesy – The Blackberry Center
