Staff Reports
In today’s society, it seems that disappointment is being rebranded as trauma. This shift in language and perception is particularly evident on college campuses, where students are feeling the weight of negative election outcomes like it is some kind of emotional catastrophe. When did mere disappointment morph into life-altering trauma? It appears that we are raising a generation of individuals who are so accustomed to having their desires catered to that they cannot handle the slings and arrows of ordinary life.
The obsession with therapy and counseling has taken root in our society, particularly among the youth. Instead of teaching resilience and coping mechanisms, they are led to believe that every uncomfortable experience requires a therapist’s couch and a sympathetic ear. This message has created a culture where anything short of absolute victory is met with overwhelming panic and sorrow. Being slightly let down because an election did not go your way is not trauma; it’s part of life!
Let’s think practically. If disappointment were indeed trauma, then every time a sports team lost a game, entire stadiums would need counseling services ready to swoop in. If every failed exam or rejection letter warranted therapy, our mental health system would be so overloaded that we might as well just set up a sofa in every classroom. It is crucial for individuals, especially college students, to recognize that emotions are valid but do not need to be recategorized to fit a narrative of personal injury. Feeling bad is part of being human.
It is worth noting that real trauma exists in our world, affecting the lives of countless individuals far beyond the realm of politics. Some people face genuine hardships — war, poverty, violence — the list goes on. Meanwhile, some college students are grappling with the emotional fallout of an election result. This disconnect diminishes the experiences of those who truly suffer. We must be cautious not to trivialize genuine trauma by giving every little disappointment the same gravitas.
In closing, it is time for a dose of reality. Disappointment is a natural part of life, and the growing generation must learn how to deal with it constructively. Rather than fostering a mindset of victimhood, we should aim to cultivate resilience and grit. It is time for students to toughen up and understand that the world does not revolve around their preferences. After all, the ability to disagree, lose, and move on is part of what drives individuals toward success in their future endeavors. The sooner they grasp this reality, the better equipped they will be for whatever life throws their way.
