In the landscape of life, human beings stand unique in their prolonged journey to independence, taking 18 to 25 years to navigate the complexities of adulthood, not just physically, but financially and emotionally. While in the animal kingdom, offspring are swiftly thrust into the world to fend for themselves, we invest a significant portion of our lives in nurturing the next generation.
Yet, despite these years of care and guidance, we find ourselves confronted with a sobering reality: a staggering rise in suicides, depression, and mental breakdowns among young individuals and adults alike, especially in the wake of the post-COVID era. The recent tragic loss of a 25-year-old professional, armed with the finest academic credentials—an engineering degree from IIT and an MBA from IIM—serves as a stark reminder of the silent epidemic lurking within our society.
Each suicide not only extinguishes a promising life prematurely but sends shockwaves through families, friends, and entire communities. In India alone, over 100,000 lives are lost to suicide annually, with lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases emerging as commonplace adversaries.
In our relentless pursuit of securing admissions to elite educational institutions and ensuring lucrative careers for our children, we seem to have overlooked a crucial aspect: nurturing Emotional Quotient (EQ) alongside Intelligence Quotient (IQ). The relentless focus on achievements and victories has left little room for embracing failures and navigating adversity—a vital part of emotional growth.
Too often, parents, consumed by their obligations, resort to material indulgence in place of emotional presence, inadvertently setting unrealistic expectations for their children. The pressure mounts and our research paints a concerning picture—children facing stress levels reaching an alarming 9 out of 10, primarily attributed to parental oversight rather than external pressures.
Indeed, the absence of formal guidelines or certifications for parenting leaves many adrift, relying solely on personal experiences, however limited. The result? A generation grappling with emotional baggage, devoid of outlets for expression, until the burden becomes too heavy to bear.
It’s time for a paradigm shift—a concerted effort to prioritize mental well-being and restore the delicate balance between work and life. While academic and professional achievements hold merit, true success lies in cultivating emotional resilience—a trait essential for weathering life’s storms with grace.
Kalpvriksh Guru has long been championing the cause of mental and emotional wellness with corporates, government bodies and educational institutions to nurture happy and productive minds. Having transformed the lives of over 100,000 people, the programs offer a path from distress to tranquility, promoting self-awareness and holistic healing.
As India marches towards harnessing its demographic dividend, the need for a mentally, emotionally, and physically robust workforce cannot be overstated. A clarion call to organizations, professionals, parents and students alike, to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Assess your Emotional Intelligence Quotient through the link given below and confront your stress levels head-on. We will share your report soon with you. The time for action is now—let’s build a future where emotional resilience thrives and every individual finds solace in their inner strength.
Link for psychometric assessment: https://forms.office.com/r/Ju5qVBKpB6
Join us in empowering the journey towards emotional well-being.