Faced with adversity they flounder

Sir, – Every day we hear of

the rise in the incidence of depression and there is evidence of the link to the Covid virus and its restrictions and constraints upon life and its current quality.

We all feel for those caught up in the depth of depression, yet one can’t help wondering if our present society might carry much of the blame.

We now live in a world which is largely based upon the over-protection of the individual.

Going back over the last two decades much energy has been directed upon ensuring that youngsters be cocooned from all adversities and possible mishaps.

As an example, at many school sports days the competitive elements were erased.

Children were placed in small groups and thereby set easy targets.

Thereby no-one would

see him or herself as coming into a lesser place than an outright winner and facing any possibility of feelings of inferiority.

In essence this culture has permeated our everyday lives, and thus excessive shielding and protectionism has become commonplace.

From an early age our children have had little or no experience of, and preparedness for, disappointment and hardship in their lives.

When faced with adversity from any direction they flounder as to how to overcome or bypass it.

As such it is blown out of proportion and many struggle to cope and suffer feelings of hopelessness.

Food for thought, it might seem!

David L Thomson. Laurence Park, Kinglassie.