3 Mental Battles Indian Girls Secretly Fight Every Day

queenofherlife01
Mar 16
3 min read

Growing up in Indian society presents unique challenges and dreams, wrapped in a colourful tapestry of traditions. However, beneath the joyful celebrations and family bonds lurks significant mental turmoil that often goes unnoticed. Indian girls face daily mental battles, quietly struggling against societal norms, gender expectations, and personal insecurities. In this post, we will explore three of these mental struggles in detail to shed light on their importance.

A woman in a richly embroidered red outfit sits gracefully on the floor in a dimly lit space, her head resting on her knees and her expression contemplative signifying her turmoil.

The Weight of Societal Expectations

Indian culture is diverse and vibrant, but it comes with heavy expectations placed on girls and women. From a young age, many girls walk a tightrope between personal ambitions and familial obligations, especially regarding academic success and career choices.

When a girl achieves excellent grades, she receives applause. However, this praise is often accompanied by an unspoken expectation to keep achieving. This creates a pressure cooker environment, leading to stress and anxiety. Research shows that 37% of Indian students experience high levels of stress related to academics. Fear of disappointing parents or society can become overwhelming, pushing them to the brink.

Additionally, comparisons are made. Whether it is grades, looks, or career paths, the competition is relentless. For instance, studies reveal that 45% of adolescent girls compare themselves to peers, leaving them feeling inadequate and questioning their self-worth when they perceive others as doing better.

Eye-level view of a girl studying in a quiet room — A girl focused on studying alone.

The Burden of Gender Roles

Despite significant progress in gender equality, traditional roles remain deeply rooted in Indian society. Many girls find themselves torn between societal expectations and personal aspirations. They are often nudged to prioritize marriage and family over their own goals, which can create guilt and confusion.

This pressure comes from various sources, including family and media. For example, girls are often discouraged from pursuing certain fields like engineering or sports because they are considered unsuitable. A survey revealed that 52% of young women in urban India feel restricted by societal norms regarding their career choices.

Such limitations can lead to frustration in girls. Girls may wrestle with their ambitions while feeling compelled to conform to the traditional role of caretaker or homemaker. The emotional toll of this mental struggle can be heavy, leaving many feeling resentful and hopeless.

Close-up view of traditional Indian kitchen items — Traditional kitchen essentials symbolizing gender roles.

The Fear of Judgement

The fear of being judged is another significant mental struggle for Indian girls. In a society where public opinion can greatly impact personal decisions, this fear can be overwhelming. Constantly being watched affects both daily choices and long-term life plans.

This fear breeds insecurity, making it difficult for girls to express themselves. Whether it is through their choice of clothing, hobbies, or careers, the thought of being judged often leads them to suppress their true selves. The pressure to fit in can feel suffocating.

Moreover, judgment can come from all directions—friends, family, or the wider community. A recent survey found that 68% of Indian women aged 18-30 feel they have to behave according to societal norms, limiting their self-expression and potential. Breaking free from this cycle often requires courage and resilience, as girls navigate feelings of anxiety and shame.

High angle view of a quiet park bench — A solitary park bench indicating isolation and fear of judgment.

A Path Forward

The mental struggles of girls in Indian society are complex and deeply rooted. They continually navigate societal expectations, wrestle with traditional roles, and cope with the fear of judgment. Each of these battles leaves many feeling they must choose between their dreams and societal acceptance.

Raising awareness about these issues is crucial for change. Initiatives that promote open conversations around mental health can create more supportive communities. It is essential to empower the next generation of Indian girls to pursue their dreams without overwhelming societal expectations.

An Indian girl sitting on the window enjoying her company.

Everyone has a role to play in this transformation. Families, friends, and educators can provide the encouragement and understanding needed for young women to navigate these challenges. Transformation starts when we recognize the power and potential in every girl, motivating them to celebrate their individuality and pursue their dreams with confidence.