The pressure-cooker environment of achievement that many Bay Area and South Asian youth experience doesn’t end in high school — it continues well into college and beyond. (Photo by 何 颖: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-photo-of-the-back-of-womans-head-13098976/)
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The pressure-cooker environment of achievement that many Bay Area and South Asian youth experience doesn’t end in high school — it continues well into college and beyond.(Photo by 何 颖: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-photo-of-the-back-of-womans-head-13098976/)
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-285928837-13098976-1.jpg?fit=300%2C169&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-285928837-13098976-1.jpg?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1″ />
The pressure-cooker environment of achievement that many Bay Area and South Asian youth experience doesn’t end in high school — it continues well into college and beyond. (Photo by 何 颖: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-photo-of-the-back-of-womans-head-13098976/)” data-image-caption=”
The pressure-cooker environment of achievement that many Bay Area and South Asian youth experience doesn’t end in high school — it continues well into college and beyond.(Photo by 何 颖: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-photo-of-the-back-of-womans-head-13098976/)
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-285928837-13098976-1.jpg?fit=300%2C169&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/indiacurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-285928837-13098976-1.jpg?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1″ />
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In a recent article by India Currents, the mental health crisis among Gen Z, particularly South Asian students in the Bay Area, is examined. The piece highlights the unique pressures and challenges faced by this demographic, from academic competition to cultural stigmas. Here are key takeaways from the article that shed light on the struggles and potential solutions for Gen Z.
1. **Intense Academic Pressure and Comparison:** South Asian students in the Bay Area face immense academic pressure, leading to feelings of inadequacy and stress. According to Maya, a Columbia University student, “The academic pressure of growing up here (Bay Area) and people are just so smart— it’s hard to feel like you’re doing enough and you’re on par with people.”
2. **College Admission Anxiety:** The competitive nature of college admissions contributes significantly to anxiety and a sense of not doing enough. Sania, a UC Santa Barbara student, noted, “The competitive nature of feeling like they’re not doing enough; they’re not doing as much as their peers; like they’re not going to get into a good school; like their entire life is about that.”
3. **Social Media’s Impact on Self-Esteem:** Social media amplifies insecurities, with constant comparisons affecting both boys and girls. Roopali Rajvanshy of Rcoz explains that the “constant craving for immediate rewards is altering brain chemistry,” making it harder to focus and distorting self-image when social media feedback is lacking.
4. **Cultural Stigma Around Mental Health:** Among AAPI youth, cultural stigmas prevent many from seeking help, viewing emotional struggles as weakness or failure. Soo Jin Lee, a licensed therapist, states, “So many of us are raised to avoid burdening others… sharing emotional struggle is a weakness.”
5. **Lack of Culturally Competent Therapists:** The scarcity of Asian therapists (only 3% of U.S. psychologists) can lead to misunderstandings and harm when AAPI youth do seek help. This lack of cultural understanding can hinder effective treatment and support.
6. **Political and Economic Stressors:** Current political issues and economic anxieties, such as student loan caps and job security, exacerbate stress among Gen Z. Sania mentioned that many peers were deferring graduate school, scared about their future due to financial constraints.
7. **Loneliness and Feeling Unseen:** Loneliness isn’t just about being alone; it’s about feeling unseen and misunderstood. Soo Jin Lee explains that youth carry “a mix of academic pressures, economic anxiety, and constant identity comparison, shaped by social media.”
8. **Importance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):** Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highlighted as an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Dr. Leyfler explains that CBT “helps youth and adults to recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more adaptive thoughts.”
9. **Need for Family and Community Support:** Families are encouraged to engage in off-screen activities together, fostering connection and joy. Dr. Ilangovan suggests, “Maybe board game nights or nature walks. Figure out what gives you joy, and figure out a way to do it together. Build the alternative.”
10. **Seeking Therapy and Medication:** Therapy and medication can provide significant relief for mental health struggles, such as anxiety and ADHD. Maya found that “getting medication and therapy to cope with undiagnosed ADHD was really helpful, as is music and playing her guitar.”
These takeaways offer a glimpse into the complex mental health landscape for Bay Area Gen Z South Asian students. By understanding these challenges, we can better support and address their unique needs.
Read the full story here.
This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.
The post 10 Critical Mental Health Insights For Gen Z South Asian Students & Parents appeared first on India Currents.
