Teens may feel pressured to conform to societal ideals of equity that demand perfection in their behavior and attitudes. They might worry about saying or doing something that could be perceived as insensitive or non-inclusive, leading to anxiety about making mistakes.

Constant exposure to discussions and debates around equity and justice can be overwhelming. Teens may feel a responsibility to be constantly informed and active in social justice issues, leading to burnout or feelings of inadequacy if they can’t meet these expectations.

The fear of being "canceled" or socially ostracized for saying or doing something that others deem inequitable can be a significant source of anxiety. This can lead to a heightened fear of judgment, making teens more anxious in social situations.

Teens may feel pressured by their peers to take a stand on social issues, even if they are not fully informed or comfortable doing so. This pressure can create internal conflict, stress, and anxiety about aligning with group norms.

The focus on various intersecting identities (e.g., race, gender, sexuality) in equity discussions can lead teens to question their own identity and where they fit in. This exploration, while important, can also be a source of confusion, anxiety, and depression, especially if they feel they don’t fully belong to any one group.

Teens may feel like they are not "enough" of a particular identity (e.g., not "woke" enough, not "activist" enough), leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

While efforts to create equity in education are essential, they can sometimes place additional pressure on teens. For example, if schools emphasize diverse achievements equally, teens may feel pressure to excel academically and in social activism, community service, and other areas, contributing to stress and burnout.

Teens might feel compelled to perform at a high level in all areas to align with equitable ideals, leading to perfectionism and fear of failure, which are known contributors to anxiety and depression.

Teens today are more aware than ever of global injustices and inequalities, which can lead to a sense of helplessness or despair, especially if they feel powerless to make a meaningful impact. This heightened awareness can contribute to feelings of sadness, frustration, and anxiety.

Constant exposure to news and social media highlighting inequalities can make teens feel overwhelmed by the extent of the problems, contributing to a sense of hopelessness or depression.

Teens may compare themselves to others in terms of how actively they are promoting or supporting equity, leading to competitive stress. They might feel anxious or depressed if they believe they are not doing as much as their peers to advocate for social justice.

Teens who feel they have privileges that others do not may experience guilt or shame, which can contribute to anxiety and depression, especially if they struggle to reconcile their blessings with the desire to support equity for those who do not have the same.

Teens from cultures or families with different views on equity and social justice may experience tension or conflict, leading to anxiety about navigating these differences. Balancing societal pressures with family expectations can create additional stress.

While equity discussions often focus on race, gender, and socioeconomic status, mental health equity is sometimes less emphasized, leading to a lack of support for teens struggling with anxiety and depression. This can create a feeling of being overlooked or misunderstood.