KARACHI:
Frustration is considered as an emotional state that one feels as a result of irritability and anger. This anger does not have to be expressed, rather it can be repressed within the subconscious of an individual. Karachi’s youth is prone to frustration. “I am very frustrated” is the term which has come on the tip of almost every youngster’s tongue. But why is this the case? What incidents have happened that have irked them so much? Why has today’s generation become so demotivated?
In my opinion, the high rate of unemployment is the single biggest factor that has contributed to a surge in suicides and frustration amongst teenagers and young adults.
When they are not accepted by their schools, when they are being over-pressurised by their families, when they are bullied or do not manage to achieve something significant, a feeling of complete worthlessness takes over them. This breaks their confidence and hence their will to strive and work hard. Therefore, it can be said that unemployment can lead to depression, low self-esteem and anxiety, especially when an individual is truly helpless. The consequence is that either the individual commits suicide, since he sees no way out other than that, or he indulges in harmful activities such as robbery or drugs. Many are even pushed below the poverty line and lead a life of misery and regret. Researchers have found that there has been an increase in the relative risk of suicide among the youth due to unemployment in Karachi. This is no longer a theory, but a fact.
The government needs to plan the future wisely. It should take steps that are able to provide more job opportunities at the earliest. On the other hand, parents should encourage their children to do their best instead of putting too much pressure on them. It is about time that we listened to their plight.
Alishba Shakeel
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17h, 2021.
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