As a Youth Mental Health Coordinator, one of the things I hear most often from young people is how exhausting it can feel to constantly compare themselves to others. Today’s youth are growing up in a world where they are continuously connected to an online space that encourages self-measuring, whether consciously or subconsciously. Through social media, trends, and the pressure to always appear confident, successful, and happy, many young people are quietly carrying feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and not feeling “good enough.”
While comparison has always existed, the online world has amplified it in ways that can deeply impact youth mental health and overall well-being. Many youth describe feeling pressure to keep up, fit in, look a certain way, achieve certain milestones, or appear as though everything is going well, even during difficult moments. Over time, this constant exposure to highlight reels can affect confidence, self-esteem, and how young people feel about themselves day to day.During Mental Health Awareness Month, I had the opportunity to facilitate three sessions with high school students focused on self-worth, confidence, gratitude, and navigating comparison in today’s increasingly connected world. Throughout these sessions, students engaged in honest and meaningful discussions about the pressures they experience both online and offline. Conversations explored themes such as appearance, friendships, academic expectations, social media, and the pressure to constantly appear “okay.”
One thing that stood out to me during these discussions was how many students openly shared that they often focus on what is going wrong in their lives while overlooking their strengths, growth, and the things that are still going well. Through reflective activities and group discussions, students explored the impact of comparison while also taking time to recognize their own strengths, growth, resilience, and self-worth. Together, we discussed the importance of shifting focus inward and practicing gratitude, especially during difficult moments.Rather than becoming consumed by one mistake, setback, or insecurity, students reflected on the value of slowing down and asking themselves different questions: What am I grateful for? What have I overcome? What strengths do I already carry that I may not give myself enough credit for? These conversations created space for students to recognize that their worth is not defined by social media, appearance, achievements, or how closely their lives resemble someone else’s highlight reel.
One of the most meaningful moments from the sessions was seeing students openly encourage themselves and one another. To close the workshops, students wrote supportive and inspirational messages to themselves as reminders of their worth, strength, and growth. It was a simple but powerful exercise that highlighted how important positive self-talk and self-compassion can be in building confidence and emotional well-being. Mental health support is not only about responding during moments of crisis. It is also about creating opportunities for prevention, connection, reflection, and honest conversations before youth reach a breaking point. Creating spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered can have a meaningful impact on their confidence, self-awareness, and willingness to reach out for help when needed.
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, I hope we will continue having open conversations with youth about the pressures they are navigating and remind them that they do not have to carry those pressures alone. Support is available, and reaching out for help is always a sign of strength.
Need support or connection? Explore Youth Mental Health Programs at MFRC.
MFRC, Youth Mental Health Coordinator
