Parental Pressure and a 16-Year-Old’s Journey to Recovery

In a recent case, Dr. Nisha Fernando highlighted the profound and lasting impact of parental pressure on children’s mental health. According to Dr. Nisha Fernando, children subjected to such environments often face a range of emotional and behavioural challenges that can significantly shape their development and future lives. She emphasized the critical importance of understanding, patience, and open communication within families, along with early intervention and counselling, to help children overcome these struggles and build healthier relationships and futures.

Words -  Dr Nisha Fernando / Sachini Perera

As a Medical Officer and Senior Counsellor at Yowun Piyasa, Teaching Hospital Kalutara, I have witnessed many stories of struggle and resilience. One case that lingers in my mind is that of a 16-year-old boy whose life was marred by parental pressure and addiction. The boy was referred to me by the police after being caught smoking cigarettes. During our first session, he sat across from me, fidgeting nervously. “They don’t care what I want, Doctor,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. “They push me into classes and activities they like. They don’t ask me what I want to do.”

His parents, a well-meaning but strict couple, were desperate for a solution. “Doctor, he’s ruining his future,” his mother exclaimed during their session. Her voice quivered with a mix of anger and fear. “He smokes, he skips classes, and now the police are involved. What are we supposed to do?” 

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