My Advice To Young People

Growing Up With Pressure

The disposition of existing as a youngster in this culture of ours is rife with many uncertainties and insecurities. People tell you what to think, you establish a sense for the world out of the different areas of your life that may not fit in with your true self, and the pressure to be accepted is enormous and intense.

It’s difficult not to feel concerned with the state of the young people’s minds as they make their way in this world, but I want to impart my advice that I’ve learned through the years.

“I’m not a senior citizen, but I do feel I carry wisdom from the experiences I’ve had as a child and a young person, so let me share with you my advice and see if it strikes a chord with you.”

One of the things I believe causes mental health problems in young people is the change of scenery and expectations. We coast through the school system where we’re given guidance and support from teachers, and our lives tend to be made simpler because we live at home for free and we make friendships in an environment surrounded by a diverse group of children ranging in ages, backgrounds and interests.

When we finish school, we’re no longer given a structure and therefore we need to find one for ourselves, one that gives us the ability to generate money and/or pursue higher education.

Given the pressure to find work, provide for loved ones, pay the bills, and to take on responsibilities, it’s no wonder why many young people find themselves enduring depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

 

Our lives aren’t simplified, they’re always complicated by the sheer amount we figuratively strap to our backs day in and day out. Young men thinking they’re worthless is the really alarming and distressing issue because every man is worth it on this planet, but they need to believe it in themselves in order to survive.

Everyone can find this strength, it just takes perseverance, diligence and a sound and calm mind. Don’t allow anything to get you down and always be around people who support and care about you. 

 

Your Grades Don’t Define You

Something young people should realise, especially those who study in schools, colleges and universities, is that exams are not as important as they’re made out to be. Yes, some professions require decent results, but more often than not hard work is the key to unlocking what you want in life.

Many people leave secondary school without GCSEs, yet they gain well-paid jobs in high-end professions. This is because they’ve honed in on what they want to do for a job, and they’ve knuckled down and become the best they can be in order to succeed at obtaining that form of employment.

“…more often than not hard work is the key to unlocking what you want in life.”

In relation to exams, young people should lower their expectations and take the pressure off themselves. Too many people like to compare their exam grades with others as a measure of their worth, but this will only make you feel bad if you receive lower grades than your friends and peers.

Grades only mean as much as you allow them to, and it’s nobody else’s business what grade you received anyway. Enjoy learning and try to view exams as quizzes of your knowledge. You shape how you see the world, and I think it is best to see exams like a timed puzzle. You don’t need to take exams seriously if you don’t want to.

Also, try not to allow pressure from others to impact your mental health because that’ll make exams seem even worse.

 

Be Okay With Who You Are

Something that I really needed to learn in my early twenties but failed to do, was to chill out about my situation. I wanted a deep relationship and I cared about what everybody else thought of me.

This is nothing short of a mental health hazard because you’ve got to be grateful for what you have and to enjoy your life as it exists in front of you. Yes, change it how you feel you need to, but try not to rush and overthink things. If you don’t relax, you may find yourself crafting mistakes you wish you hadn’t.

“Be ok with who you are and if people don’t like it, let it be because not everyone will be your friend.”

 

Don’t Fit In; Belong

Try not to “fit in” and always strive to belong. When we attempt to fit in, we’re submitting our true selves and exchanging it for another version that isn’t authentic to who we really are. So you want to be cool with the sportier kids, so you swap out shirts and trousers  for t-shirts and shorts, but is this really you?

Do you prefer reading books and studying complex mathematical equations than kicking a ball around a field? Then champion what you’re good at and if those you’re trying to please don’t like it, then they aren’t your friends. Those who aren’t your friends will likely force you to question yourself and your decisions, possibly riddling your mental health with uncertainties that you should not bear.  

 

Belonging is where we fit into environments and situations that suit us, and we should yearn for belonging anywhere. Yes, you can find belonging in environments and situations you’re not used to, but this is likely because the people in them adhere to the traits that you gel with.

Sometimes great people can bring you into doing new activities you otherwise wouldn’t want to participate in.    

 

Celebrate People’s Differences

We should appreciate and celebrate people’s differences as well. We shouldn’t think nor believe that just because someone doesn’t share the same hygiene standards as we do, that doesn’t mean they are lesser than you.

Bigotry is one of the worst traits there is because it’s a holier than thou stance, yet we’re all humans and generally operate by breathing – that’s what we all share in common as live folks, so we shouldn’t judge people based on who they are, especially if you don’t actually know them. 

“…we shouldn’t judge people based on who they are, especially if you don’t actually know them.”

I am a firm believer that we should always know somebody in – person before we decide whether we like them or not. Too many opinions are shared about people and events that happen on a TV screen or on social media, but the living colour experience is the one that is authentic and will tell you the most of what you need to know about anybody.

 

Look Up From The Screen

You may think of me as old and out of fashion for saying this, but try not to use your mobile phones all the time. Spending too much time on screens can trigger a sense of loneliness and isolation, and could potentially stymie your desire to socially interact.

Social interactions are extremely valuable for your mental health, as you can be heard and feel connected, offering far more than an internet connection ever could. 

 

So there wraps up all the advice I think is important for young people to consider. I do hope you’ve found this advice helpful and that you’re doing alright within yourself. Being a young person in the UK isn’t an easy task, yet if you practise the tips I’ve given you here, you might find your life to be far more relaxed than it may already be now.

I’m not saying these are the perfect tips or essential, but I do think they’ll help you navigate your life with a little more ease.