Young Indonesians Appear Strong But Struggle Internally

In today's society, there's a pervasive pressure to appear strong and perpetually happy, a narrative amplified by social media's curated portrayals of ideal lives. However, beneath this facade, many young people are experiencing profound mental exhaustion and emptiness. They continue with daily routines, attending classes, completing assignments, and engaging online, while secretly battling fatigue, a sense of void, and a loss of motivation.

This internal struggle is often dismissed by others who only observe outward appearances. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent among teenagers and university students, many of whom have become accustomed to suppressing their true feelings. They fear being perceived as weak, overly sensitive, or attention-seeking. Yet, mental health is not solely determined by external presentation. The constant demand to appear "fine" can be detrimental.

Societal expectations, often subtly conveyed through phrases like "You're the eldest, you have to be strong" or "Don't be a crybaby," pressure individuals to internalize their emotions. This can lead to a generation that struggles to be honest about their feelings, habitually responding with "I'm okay" even when they are not. Prolonged emotional suppression can result in significant psychological fatigue. The World Health Organization defines mental health as an individual's ability to realize their potential, cope with life's stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community, encompassing daily well-being, not just the absence of disorders.

Social media plays a significant role in this mental health crisis by fostering a culture of comparison. Constantly viewing peers' apparent successes, achievements, vibrant social lives, and seemingly perfect existences can trigger feelings of being left behind. This is often a distorted reality, as individuals tend to showcase only the highlights of their lives, omitting failures, fears, and daily struggles. The human brain, however, can overlook this selective sharing, leading many to devalue their own lives by comparing their reality to others' curated online personas. This comparison can leave many students feeling like failures.