Dear Sir,
Behind cheerful smiles, social media posts, and academic achievements, many young people carry unseen burdens of stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health has become one of the most pressing challenges facing today’s youth, yet it often remains overlooked.
A survey conducted by The Flow Fest among students from leading private universities in Bangladesh found that nearly 65 percent of young people experience mental distress. Many face daily pressure, loneliness, lack of creative opportunities, and insufficient sleep. Globally, the situation is equally alarming. Around 700,000 people die by suicide every year, making it one of the leading causes of death among people aged 15 to 29.
Several factors contribute to this crisis. Social media encourages constant comparison, making young people feel inadequate when they compare their lives with carefully curated online images. Excessive screen time, disrupted sleep, and reduced physical activity further affect mental well-being. In addition, academic pressure, family expectations, and uncertainty about future careers often create feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.
Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. By breaking the stigma and ensuring support for those in need, we can protect the well-being of our youth and build a healthier future for society.
Md Eyasin Arafat Bijoy
Student, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Rajshahi
