How do you cope with the pressure of expectations from family?

This is one of the most common sources of distress among young Indian adults and it rarely gets named as a mental health issue. A few things help: separating what you actually want from what you have absorbed, which often needs writing down to become visible; recognising that most family pressure is anxiety expressed as instruction rather than hostility; and communicating decisions rather than seeking permission, which changes the conversation. Expect discomfort during the transition. Where the pressure is severe, sustained and affecting your health, involving a professional is reasonable, and family therapy is available in India.