TO FIT IN OR NOT

 

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
― Bruce Lee

v WHAT IS PEER PRESSURE?

Peer pressure is internal or external pressures that are perceived to be positive, positive, and negative. Peers are people who are part of the same social group, so the term “peer pressure” refers to the effect that peer pressure can have on one another. While peer pressure does not have to be negative, the word “pressure” means that the process influences people to do things that they are not, or that they may not choose to do otherwise.

Hormonal changes, brain development and emerging identities make adolescence a time of great danger, where peer pressure has a profound effect. This is also a stage in life where groups of friends are very important and the need for equality is a major factor in decision-making.

·       POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE

Good peer pressure is when a person's peers influence them to do something good or to attain growth on their task. For example, peers who are committed to their schooling or sports career may influence others to have more goals. Likewise, kind, loyal, or supportive peers exert a powerful influence on others. This type of peer pressure can also inspire determination, focus, goal-setting, strategic planning, and hard work.

·       NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE

Negative peer pressure challenges the code of conduct and beliefs, which can have a profound effect on a person's mental and physical health, as well as emotional stability. In addition, it can create tension in a personal relationship, lower self-esteem, and increase the likelihood of harmful habits, such as drug abuse. Negative peer pressure often exerts a powerful influence on people who engage in dangerous activities, such as criminal behavior, early drinking, drug abuse, and poor health.

v EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH

Young people are under constant pressure - the pressure to do academically, to be independent of their parents and guardians, and to cope with the hormonal and physical changes that take place in their bodies. On top of that, teenagers are constantly bombarded with peer pressure, and often they are under increasing pressure to get in or out of the world. This constant pressure to get in and get approved can be difficult for many young people, eventually leading to depression and other mental health problems.

Everyone feels the pressure to be accepted by their peers and loved ones, but for young people, the pressure to conform is very strong. High school is known for being filled with different groups and groups that tend to express themselves through certain behaviors and to give public positions to different people. In order to fit in with these structures, teens often feel compelled to change their lifestyle, or to pretend to be someone they really are.

 

Because teens already have a problem defining and discovering who they are, this additional pressure to act or look for certain ways can lead to feelings of confusion or conflict within themselves. When peer pressure demands that they do things in a way that they feel uncomfortable, it can cause young ones to suffer from insecurity, anxiety, and depression.

v OVERCOMING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BY PEER PRESSURE

When peer pressure is a major factor in depression, the most important step we can take is to give victim an opportunity to reflect on and respond to the unnatural unions. For some teens, talking to a counselor or therapist is enough to learn to control their emotions in a healthy way, and to learn a world with high social pressure in high school. Some youths, however, may need additional help and training in medical school.

Few ways to avoid peer pressure are :-

·       Pay attention to how you feel. If something doesn't feel right about the situation, it probably isn't. Even if your friends seem to be getting the better of you, the situation is likely to get worse.

·       Plan ahead. Think about how you will respond in different situations. Plan what you can say or do.

• Have friends with similar values and beliefs.  It is easier to say “no” if someone else is also saying it.  Saying “no” together makes it easier for the both of you.
• Beware of unhealthy energy: It is not right for others to pressure you, force you, or trick you into doing things you do not want to do or for others to threaten you if you do not agree. It is wrong for others to make fun of you, to look down on you, to embarrass you, or to criticize you for your choices. You can ask others to stop these habits, or you can choose to avoid spending time with people who do these things.
• Spend time with people who respect your decisions and who will not unduly pressure you to compromise.
• Remember that you cannot (and should not) please everyone or be liked by everyone. This may be difficult to accept, but it is worth the effort.

 

- SASMITA SHARMA