Academic Pressure Leads 18-Year-Old Student to Severe Depression

In Hanoi, an 18-year-old female student has been diagnosed with severe depression after her high school graduation exam (THPT) results did not meet her expectations. The student presented with symptoms including several nights of insomnia, loss of emotional control, and frequent self-blame. Doctors diagnosed her with "severe depression." According to Master of Psychology Hoang Quoc Lan from Phuong Dong General Hospital, the student was under immense pressure from her parents, who expected her to be admitted to a top-tier university. To meet these expectations, she dedicated her time to extra classes and tutors, studying late into the night. She feared taking breaks when tired, which gradually led to sadness, negative thinking, decreased learning capacity, and loss of enthusiasm. In recent months, the student experienced constant stress and anxiety, fearing she would disappoint her parents. "My graduation exam scores were not high, and I felt all my efforts were in vain," she confided, adding that she constantly thought, "I ruined everything, embarrassed my parents, and my future is bleak." She suffered from loss of appetite, insomnia, and engaged in self-harm. Experts note that exam results are rarely the sole cause of depression in students. More concerning is the pressure stemming from family expectations, particularly when parents unconsciously equate their child's worth with their academic achievements. When children are repeatedly told they "must get into this university" or "must achieve this score," they gradually form a belief that their parents' love and recognition depend on their performance. When results fall short, they feel not only disappointed about missing their goal but also like failures, useless, or even guilty towards their parents. For sensitive students or those already under prolonged academic pressure, the shock after an exam can be the "last straw," triggering or exacerbating depressive symptoms. Master Lan explained that students can fall into prolonged sadness, lose interest in everything, isolate themselves, experience insomnia, appetite loss, and constant self-recrimination, and in some cases, develop negative thoughts. Adolescence is a critical turning point marked by physical changes due to hormonal and psychological shifts. In many cases, suppressing emotions that are not shared leads to prolonged stress and depression. This can have long-lasting consequences, affecting personality development and causing irreparable psychological damage. Psychological experts state that studying excessively does not necessarily equate to effective learning. Conversely, studying in a state of exhaustion can reduce efficiency and harm health. Families need to pay more attention to their children's emotions and thoughts. Showing care, understanding, patiently listening, and avoiding imposition are practical ways to reduce pressure. Parents should accompany their children in learning, leisure activities, and managing social media and exposure to harmful information. It is also crucial for families to recognize early signs of distress for timely intervention and to create a safe environment for children.