Scrolling, smiling, struggling: hidden pressures

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Dera Eneremadu shares the realities of growing up today

Scrolling through Instagram, everything looks perfect: friends hanging out, awards being won, smiles all around in every selfie. Keeping up appearances has become second nature, like we’re all performing a version of ourselves that looks okay, even when we’re not.

Behind the screens, many young people feel like they are barely holding it together. Mental health struggles are increasingly common, yet support can feel out of reach. From exam stress to complicated friendships and pressures at home, the challenge is real and often invisible.

Why it matters now
Recent years have intensified stress for young people. Exams, university applications, social media comparison and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily. Mental Health statistics from Young Minds show that around one in five young people aged 8–25 now has a probable mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, and many are waiting longer than ever for support.

At the same time, stigma around mental health, the fear of being judged or misunderstood, still prevents many young people from opening up. Feeling overwhelmed at times is normal, but no one should have to face these constant pressures alone.

Three voices, three experiences
When I talked to my friends, they shared not just their pain and stresses, but also how they cope.

Zoe, 17, said, “Some nights I just lie awake thinking about revision and deadlines. It feels like no matter how hard I try, it’s never enough.” Talking to a peer mentor and breaking tasks into small steps made a real difference.

Liam, 19, shared, “After a tough breakup, I shut myself off from everyone. Social media made it worse seeing people move on while I felt stuck.” Journaling and joining a creative group gave him space to process his feelings.

Aisha, 16, told me, “At home, things were tense. I wanted to talk to my parents, but I worried I’d be judged.” Reaching out to a youth support line and joining a local community group gave her a safe space to manage stress without feeling guilty.

Hearing these experiences shows just how varied stress can be yet also that talking to someone and finding support can make a real difference.

Barriers and challenges
Even with strategies and support, obstacles remain. Therapy waiting lists are long, social media amplifies comparison, and school or family pressures can feel relentless. Some young people avoid asking for help, fearing judgement or thinking their problems aren’t serious enough. These barriers make early intervention and peer support vital.

Young voices making a difference
Many young public figures are now speaking openly about mental health. Singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone, for example, has shared her struggles with anxiety and depression, encouraging fans to seek help and normalising conversations about mental wellbeing. Seeing someone relatable discuss these issues helps break stigma and reminds young people that it’s okay to struggle.

Finding hope and support
Support does not always come from formal therapy. Small, practical steps can make a difference. Peer groups, hobbies, creative outlets and exercise are all ways to manage stress. Reflection and personal growth are key; each person’s path is unique. Remember, asking for help is a strength.

If you are struggling, you can find support at:

• Kooth: free online support for young people dealing with stress, anxiety, exam pressure, friendships and family worries. Kooth offers counsellor chat, self‑help tools, articles and moderated space to connect with peers.
• YoungMinds: information and guidance for young people on understanding their feelings and finding support that works for them. YoungMinds can help you figure out what type of help to look for and how to talk to someone about what you’re feeling.
• The Mix: free, confidential text support for times when you need to talk but don’t know where to start. You can text a trained volunteer for immediate support with anxiety, stress or feeling overwhelmed.

These organisations provide safe spaces to talk, guidance and practical strategies to manage pressures. Mental health is different for everyone, but no one has to face it alone.

Thriving is possible even when surviving feels like all you can manage.