Pressure from society in recent times seems to be on a high and everyone is on edge due to the different pressures we come across every day. Societal pressure is the influence exerted on individuals by the norms, values, and expectations of society. This pressure can take many forms, from expectations about appearance and behavior to expectations about career and family life.
It can also be positive, encouraging people to strive for success and happiness, but it is often negative, causing individuals to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and inadequate. Societal pressure can have a significant impact on mental health. For example, expectations about appearance can lead to body shaming, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Career pressures can result in feelings of burnout, stress, and a loss of work-life balance. Family pressures, such as the expectation to have children and settle down, can also cause anxiety and stress.
For me, I'm faced with the same pressure that is experienced by a majority of young men in Nigeria: money making. Before discovering hive and other crypto blogging platforms, I was struggling a lot to make money from the internet. At the same time, I had friends who were living large and they have a lot of money that they got from internet fraud.
It was very difficult for me to withstand the pressure of joining my friends in doing fraud and making a lot of money. What did I do to keep my sanity in check? I isolated myself from my so-called friends. I cut ties with all of them involved and kept to myself as I kept looking for ways to make money online. Even when they come to my house to look for me, I pretended as if I wasn't home and after a while, they stopped coming.
Luckily for me, I started making money for myself by doing different tasks on the internet from surveys to ponzi schemes. It wasn't enough to rub shoulders with my peers who were getting money from fraud but I was contented with what I was making and I have a clear conscience. After a while, I discovered hive and some other crypto blogging platforms and that was a major game changer for me.
Some of my friends thought I was into fraud because of what I was making from these platforms but I just laughed at them for believing a person can only make money from fraud and other illegal activities. Despite what I'm making from these platforms, I'm still under pressure to make a lot of money because I know there are lots of responsibilities waiting for me in the future and that's why I'm learning some digital skills like graphic design and programming.
Despite all the challenges that come with societal pressure, it is possible to cope with them and lead a fulfilling life. One of the best ways to do this is to develop a strong sense of self and personal values. This means taking time to reflect on what is important to you and setting personal goals that align with your values and aspirations.
Another effective strategy is to seek out supportive people and communities. This can mean building relationships with friends and family members who encourage and support you or joining organizations and groups that share your interests and values. Having a supportive network can help to counteract the negative effects of societal pressure and provide a safe and nurturing environment.
In conclusion, societal pressure can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. However, by developing a strong sense of self, seeking out supportive people and communities, practicing self-care, and challenging harmful norms and expectations, it is possible to overcome the effects of societal pressure and lead a fulfilling life.
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