Alex was the popular guy everyone knew at university. Always at the centre of things, whether it was parties, group projects, or just hanging out. He was popular, funny, and always seemed to have a good time. To anyone watching, it looked like Alex had it all—friends, attention, and a busy social life. But inside, Alex was struggling more than anyone realized.

He was constantly worried about keeping his spot in the social scene. Social media made it even harder. Every time he saw photos of friends hanging out without him, it felt awful. Why wasn’t he there? Had they forgotten about him? Or were they deliberately leaving him out? These thoughts would keep him awake at night, making it tough to unwind even at home. It felt like he had to be constantly on top of everything, or he’d be left behind.

Alex was getting exhausted. He put on a brave face, but things were falling apart. His grades started to drop because he couldn’t focus on his studies. Nights were the worst—he’d lie in bed, scrolling through social media, feeling more alone each time. The pressure and loneliness were wearing him down, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it all anymore.

Finally, Alex realized he needed to make a change. The thought of therapy had crossed his mind, but he was scared. What if people found out? But after yet another tough night, he decided to reach out for help. He found the university counselling service online and booked an appointment. It was a scary step, but also a hopeful one.

On the day of the appointment, Alex was nervous but felt a bit of relief. Maybe this was the start of something better. It was a small step, but it felt like the right direction. Maybe talking to someone could help him find a way to deal with the pressure and start feeling like himself again.

If you recognize Alex in yourself or in one of your friends, it’s because there is more than one Alex—there are quite a few of them. In fact, the Alex introduced in this article does not exist; he is a composite of many individuals facing similar ordeals.

The threat posed by social media is real, and because of this, many young people experience immense pressure to perform and conform, even within the confines of their own homes. Consequently, when the pressure becomes too much, they may experience anxiety, depression, or panic attacks. Unfortunately, in some cases, they may even contemplate suicide.

If you identify with Alex and his struggles, reach out for help and I am confident that I can assist you. Similarly, if you know someone experiencing these issues, please direct them to this article. You do not need to suffer alone; help is within your reach.