It's completely normal to feel this way after working hard for an exam and not getting the result you hoped for. Many young people in Pakistan face similar pressures and disappointments, and it can really shake your confidence.
Danyal, hearing that you're feeling dumb and worthless because your medical college entrance exam didn't clear, and your parents are angry, truly breaks our hearts. Please know that one exam result, or anyone's reaction to it, does not define your intelligence or your worth as a person. You are so much more than a score sheet.
The pressure to succeed in exams, especially for fields like medicine, is immense in Pakistan, and it’s natural to feel crushed when things don't go as planned. It's also incredibly tough when your parents express their disappointment; that pain often feels even heavier than the exam result itself. Remember, their anger or frustration might come from their own worries or hopes for you, but it doesn't mean you are a failure.
It's easy to doubt all your hard work when the outcome isn't what you wanted. But your effort, your commitment to study, and the knowledge you gained during that time are still valuable. You put in the 'mehnat', and that builds resilience and learning, even if the immediate goal wasn't met. Try to see that effort as a strength you now possess.
To start rebuilding your self-esteem this week, first, acknowledge your feelings without judgment. It's okay to be sad or angry. Then, think about all the other things you are good at, the qualities that make you 'you' beyond academics. Maybe you are kind, a good friend, artistic, good with technology, or helpful around the house. These strengths are just as important.
Second, identify one small, achievable goal for yourself this week that has nothing to do with exams. It could be learning a new recipe, fixing something broken, going for a walk every day, or reading a book you enjoy. Achieving small things can slowly help you feel capable and competent again.
Third, try to talk to someone you trust – a friend, an older cousin, an aunt, or someone here at depression.pk. Sharing these feelings can lighten the burden and help you see things from a different perspective. Sometimes just hearing a kind voice makes a world of difference. You don't have to carry this alone.
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