social
Growing up, I always thought school was just about learning and making friends. But as I got older, I started to realize that there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Two of the biggest challenges I’ve faced – and still face – are social pressure and academic pressure. These aren’t just occasional problems; they’re constant forces that affect my decisions, mental health, and even how I see myself. In this essay, I want to share my thoughts and experiences on these pressures and how they often overlap in ways that are hard to separate.
Understanding social pressure
Social pressure is something almost every student goes through, even if we don’t always talk about it. It comes in many forms: the need to fit in, to be liked, to wear the “right” clothes, or even to act a certain way to be part of a group. Sometimes it’s subtle – like laughing at a joke you don’t find funny just because everyone else is – and other times it’s more obvious, like being pushed to do something you’re not comfortable with.
One of the hardest parts of social pressure is that it’s often invisible. No one tells you outright that you have to act a certain way, but the unspoken expectations are always there. I’ve felt like I had to hide parts of myself to be accepted, especially in high school, where being different felt like the worst thing you could be. That constant feeling of being judged can be exhausting, and it creates a fear of making mistakes or standing out in a bad way.
Academic pressure: a constant weight
If social pressure is about how we fit in with our peers, academic pressure is about how we perform in school – and sometimes, how we compete with those same peers. From a young age, we’re told that grades matter, that our future depends on exams, and that if we don’t work hard now, we’ll regret it later. While I understand the importance of education, the amount of pressure put on students can be overwhelming.
There have been many nights where I stayed up late studying, not because I was interested in the material, but because I was terrified of failing. I’ve missed out on sleep, social events, and even meals just trying to keep up. What makes academic pressure worse is that it’s not always about learning – it’s often about numbers, rankings, and meeting other people’s expectations. Whether it’s parents, teachers, or even ourselves, it can feel like everyone expects perfection.
How they overlap
What I find difficult is that social pressure and academic pressure often mix. For example, there’s pressure to be seen as smart and successful, which becomes part of your identity. If you’re known as the “top student,” then you’re expected to stay at the top. If you struggle, it doesn’t just feel like a personal setback – it feels like a public failure. On the other hand, if you’re not doing well, people might assume you’re lazy or not serious, which affects how they treat you.
There’s also the issue of competition among friends. If a friend gets a higher grade, of course you’re happy for them – but it can also make you feel insecure. That quiet competition can sometimes damage friendships and add even more pressure.
The role of social media
Social media has made both social and academic pressures worse. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are filled with posts that show only the best parts of people’s lives. Everyone seems to be doing great – perfect photos, perfect grades, perfect social lives. It’s hard not to compare yourself, even when you know it’s only part of the story.
There have been times when I’ve felt like I wasn’t doing enough, just because of something I saw online. Whether it’s someone getting into a top university or showing off a fun weekend, it adds to the feeling that you’re falling behind. Keeping up appearances can be exhausting, and it makes all these pressures feel even heavier.
Coping with the pressure
Over time, I’ve learned a few ways to deal with these pressures, though I’m still figuring it out. One thing that helps is talking to others – friends, family, even teachers – about how I’m feeling. Sometimes, just saying I’m overwhelmed out loud actually makes it feel a bit lighter. I’ve also started to realize that it’s okay to fail or not meet every expectation. That doesn’t make me a failure as a person.
Setting boundaries is important too. I try to make time for things that make me happy, whether that’s listening to music, going for a walk, or even just doing nothing for a while. Taking breaks doesn’t make me lazy – it just means I’m human.
Another thing I remind myself is that everyone has their own struggles. Just because someone seems like they have everything together doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling the same pressures. We all wear masks sometimes, and being kind – to others and to ourselves – makes a real difference.
What needs to change
While personal coping strategies help, I also believe that schools, families, and society need to change how they approach these pressures. Schools should focus more on learning rather than just grades. Mental health should be treated as seriously as physical health. And parents and teachers should support students as people, not just as performers.
We also need to create environments where it’s okay to talk about struggles without fear of judgment. Whether it’s academic or social, pressure becomes easier to handle when we know we’re not alone.
Conclusion
Social pressure and academic pressure are two sides of the same coin, and they affect almost every part of a student’s life. They can push us to grow, but they can also weigh us down. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to be imperfect, and to take care of myself. At the end of the day, I want to succeed – but not at the cost of my happiness or my mental health. Learning to balance these pressures is still a work in progress, but I believe that with the right support and mindset, it’s possible.
By: Adeeba
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