As a counseling student, I often think about how societal changes, especially around our professional lives, shape our mental health. One of the most noticeable shifts is from a society rooted in strict rules and prohibitions before the Industrial Revolution to our current performance-driven culture. This change has dramatically affected the way we experience and talk about mental health issues.
Before the Industrial Revolution, society operated under rigid structures and expectations. People understood their roles and duties within their families, communities, and occupations. While these clear guidelines provided stability, they could also be oppressive and lead to personal struggles. Individuals who felt constrained by strict societal norms certainly experienced distress. But at that time, hardships were often attributed to external forces like rigid class systems or authoritative institutions. Personal suffering was commonly linked to these external pressures, even though the understanding of mental health was limited and often framed in religious or moral terms.
Today, societal narratives have shifted. Many describe modern life as a “performance society,” where the dominant message is that you can achieve anything through personal effort. While this perspective can be empowering, it also creates intense pressure to constantly perform, excel, and succeed. Unlike in the past, when life was often framed by external rules and rigid structures, today’s world frequently promotes personal freedom and limitless self-improvement. In this context, challenges are more likely to be internalized rather than attributed to external forces. If individuals fail to meet their goals or don’t live up to the images of a certain kind of success seen daily on social media, they may end up blaming themselves. This internalization can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, potentially contributing to depression.
The impact of this performance culture is heightened by social media. Platforms like LinkedIn have become stages for curating and showcasing idealized versions of professional success. People post about promotions and projects with high positivity, often masking the struggles and failures that are a natural part of any career. Algorithms amplify these positive posts, reinforcing the idea that everyone else is thriving and always “pumped” or “thrilled” about their work. This constant exposure to carefully curated success stories leads to an endless cycle of comparison.
We are trying to measure up against the seemingly flawless achievements of others. This comparison can be particularly damaging in professional contexts, where LinkedIn dominates. The platform often portrays an unrealistic view of work life, making it appear as though everyone else is more accomplished, happier, and more fulfilled. But these portrayals often do not reflect reality and can mask significant stress, burnout, or dissatisfaction.
As a result of this culture, depression has become one of the most common mental health issues today. Unlike in the past, where pressures often came from external sources, today’s pressure frequently comes from within. There is a relentless drive to perform better, achieve more, and constantly improve. When we fail to meet these expectations, it can feel like a personal failure. This shift in perspective has led to widespread feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness, contributing to the modern prevalence of depression.
As someone training to be a counselor, I believe we must acknowledge the unrealistic expectations set by both society and social media. It is important to promote a more balanced view of success, one that recognizes the value of rest, self-care, and realistic goal-setting. We should encourage a more honest dialogue about the challenges and setbacks everyone faces, even those who appear successful online. By doing so, we can help reduce feelings of inadequacy and failure, promoting a healthier, more balanced approach to personal and professional growth.
It is time to foster a new narrative, one that emphasizes balance, self-compassion, and a more realistic understanding of success and failure.
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I will see you next week!
Roque Neto 