Unemployment, Peer Pressure And Loneliness Driving Youth To Mental Illness

Pune, that boasts of the best of education and facilities for students is witnessing a huge increase in psychological issues and mental illness afflicting its youth.

Several of these issues are being ignored till the point that some incident provides attention. The need for greater awareness, counselling and support from all corners of the society is imminent opine city experts.

Ajinkya Shirke, MBA student says, “Most people in our age group have employment issues. And the second biggest issue is peer pressure.”

Unemployment is one of the main issues of the youth and pushing them to mental illness”

Responding to this, city based Psychiatrist Dr Somesh Gokhale says “The problem in today’s youth is not social or economical. It is psychological and mental issues that is seen increasing among the youth of Pune and several other cities.

They experience a feeling of loneliness in their life. Competition is increasing so rapidly that it has become difficult for many to cope up with it. This is turn is causing juvenile crime, alcohol and drug abuse and so on.

Peer pressure, family background, failures in career and unemployment are some of the reasons which are pushing the youth towards depression and anxiety. There may be resources available such as this tool to help you write a CV, but once you’re in the self destructive cycle it’s hard to get out.

This is more visible in Pune because of the several educational institutes and the consequent high youth population.

Gokhale opines, “There is no permanent solution to cure mental illness unless and until the issues are handled at the root.

At an individual level, awareness and counselling in colleges, schools and offices are essential. Regular sessions for individuals on a one to one basis should be done on priority, especially the weak students.”

Parents should have a friendly relationship with their kids irrespective of their age. Nobody can understand your child as well as the parent finally. The process of change must begin, adds Dr Somesh.

Nikhil Kadam, Social Activist says, Pune is known as Oxford of the east, but the quality of education students receive nowadays is highly unacceptable.

There is hardly any skill based education, due to which unemployment is on the rise- it is also a reason for the increasing number of crimes.

Skilled based education and job placement should be a part of every institution. Colleges should concentrate more on practical knowledge than books.

Another major issue among youths in the city is drug abuse and there are no efforts to control it. In the last five years, the number of youths consuming drugs has been increased substantially.

I remember speaking to a counsellor working in a city-based NGO and all he had to say is the government and guidance in college and parents have failed in this respect.

He further also stated that. Our city has approximately 6o per cent of the youth population, in which 70 per cent of youth have consumed drugs in Pune. They not only consume drugs but also peddle them for easy money.

To bring it under control, the need of the awareness among youth is very essential, Kadam added.

Vishal Rajput, Journalist opines, “ Having lived in Pune for the past four years now, I feel the major problem is the infrastructural capabilities of the city and lack of interest of people for improving it. Infrastructure is a major drawback for the city and its youth.

If you’re a student and stay outside the hostel you have to own your own vehicle since the public transport system is far from trust worthy.

Pune can be called a smart only when the city will work towards the improvement of infrastructure and improve overall conditions for the youth and citizens of this city, Rajput added.

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#The views expressed in this article are those of the individual respondents and Pune365 does not necessarily subscribe to them.