The pressure to keep up with seemingly successful lives portrayed on social media is taking a toll on the mental well-being of some young people, a mental health advocate has warned.
Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) mental health advocate and peer counsellor Suad Abdulnassir says social media, while providing a platform for connection and inspiration, can also fuel peer pressure, anxiety and unhealthy comparisons.
She says young people who constantly compare their lives with what they see online may develop a sense of inadequacy or feel that they are falling behind their peers.
“Let’s take social media as an inspiration to our life rather than taking it as a comparison level,” Ms Abdulnassir says.
She advises young people to concentrate on their personal growth and recognise that people have different journeys and timelines.
“If she or he has made it, who are you not to make it?” she asks.
Ms Abdulnassir defines mental health as the ability to maintain a stable state of mind while coping with the normal challenges of everyday life.
She says mental health concerns may emerge when an individual becomes unable to cope with persistent challenges and stress.
“When these challenges remain unresolved, they can pile up,” she says, noting that prolonged difficulties may contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety.
She also points to other mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, saying awareness is important in helping people recognise when professional or community support may be needed.
Ms Abdulnassir’s advocacy efforts have earned her recognition, after she was named Advocacy of the Year 2026 at the Tuza Awards.
She says the award acknowledged the work she has been doing to promote mental health awareness and support within the community.
But she says recognition should be accompanied by continued efforts to encourage conversations around mental wellbeing.
For young people struggling with emotional or psychological challenges, Ms Abdulnassir says seeking assistance should not be viewed negatively.
“Seeking help is a sign of strength, and it’s not a weakness,” she says.
She urges young people to speak up when they feel overwhelmed and seek support instead of trying to cope with difficulties alone.
