Self sabotage: The silent pressure crushing Kenya’s youth

At just 25, James Mwendwa wakes up each day burdened by an invisible weight, that of a relentless drive to succeed.

Not only for himself but also for his family, his future, and a society that often measures worth by remarkable achievement in early career years.

“After everything my parents did to educate me, I feel like I owe them success,” James shares.

But Mwendwa says he sometimes feels like he is not doing enough to scale the heights of success.

“But sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough. Then I go online and see people younger than me succeeding. I have to remind myself I’ll get there.”

His experience is echoed across Kenya, with thousands of young people finding themselves trapped in some sort of a ‘pressure cooker of expectations’.

With family and societal demands coupled with the polished perfection of social media, success no longer appears as a journey; it’s perceived as a fast-paced race.

In an effort to cope, many turn to distractions such as dicey parties, drugs, and the likes; just to escape the fear of falling behind.

Psychologist Isaac Maweu explains that this constant comparison and societal pressure are taking a serious toll on mental health.

“Social media comparison and societal expectations are triggering issues like anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and depression,” he notes.

He adds that without adequate support, these invisible battles can escalate quickly, leading to long-term mental health challenges.

“Some youths even adopt lifestyles they cannot afford, just to appear successful.”

Maweu adds that in a world obsessed with showing off success, choosing to slow down and stay true to oneself might just be the most courageous act of all.