The Hidden Struggles of Teens in Kathmandu

In a bustling city like Kathmandu, many teens face a silent battle. This struggle is not about grades or peer pressure. It is about social anxiety. Social anxiety is a strong fear of being judged or rejected in social settings. It is a problem that often starts in early teens and can follow a person into adulthood. Many people do not even know they have it until they are adults. Many people think social anxiety is just shyness. But it is much more than that. It can make it hard to talk to others, make new friends, or even go to school. It can affect how a person lives their life. It can make them avoid situations that cause anxiety. This can lead to missing out on important experiences. A study looked at teens in Kathmandu to understand this issue better. It found that social anxiety is quite common among teens. The study also looked at what factors might make social anxiety worse. Things like family problems, school stress, and even how a person thinks about themselves can play a big role. For example, teens who have a hard time at home or school might feel more anxious in social situations. Similarly, teens who have a low self-esteem might also struggle with social anxiety. It is important to remember that social anxiety is a real problem. It is not something that can be ignored or wished away. It needs to be taken seriously. Teens who struggle with social anxiety need support. They need to know that they are not alone and that help is available. Schools, families, and communities all have a role to play in providing this support. One way to help is by talking about social anxiety openly. By doing so, people can learn more about it. They can understand that it is a common problem. They can also learn how to support those who struggle with it. Another way to help is by providing resources. This can include therapy, counseling, or even support groups. These resources can make a big difference in the lives of teens who struggle with social anxiety.