By: Rana Tamer

In a world that never slows down, an entire generation seems to be living on the edge of exhaustion. Not because of major traumas or crises, but because of the constant, quiet pressure that builds up inside each of us, studying, working, fear of failure, and endless comparison on social media. The result? Young people who are mentally and emotionally drained without even realizing it.

Psychological fatigue has become a silent condition that many suffer from without naming it. You don’t have to be depressed to feel tired. It’s the kind of exhaustion that makes you lose energy and motivation, even when everything around you seems fine. Mai, 22, says: “Every day I wake up feeling like I’m in a race. Even when I try to rest, I feel guilty for wasting time.”

Social media, once meant for fun and connection, has turned into a major source of stress. Every perfect picture or success story makes others feel like they’re falling behind. Youssef, 24, explains: “I open Instagram and see people traveling, working, achieving everything, while I’m still trying to find my way.” The constant comparison leaves many feeling inadequate, even when they know that online life isn’t real life.

According to Dr. Mona Abdel Rahim, a psychologist, “Mental exhaustion doesn’t always come from one big crisis; it’s the accumulation of small pressures day after day. This generation is exposed to more information and comparison than ever before, which keeps their nervous systems in a constant state of tension.” She adds, “Rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Feeling tired doesn’t mean weakness.” In a world that glorifies speed and perfection, maybe the first step toward peace is slowing down and admitting that we all need a break, we don’t have to be okay all the time.