Youth Isolation and Mental Health Crisis, Reality of an Era Lacking Care

Again, to a society of care — For the recovery of silent youth and a crumbled community

In less than a century, the world has changed at a dazzling pace. Industrialization, urbanization, and technological innovation have made human life more convenient, but underlying these changes are the disconnection of relationships, the dissolution of care, and emotional isolation. In the past, when a neighbor cried, the warm bowl of soup handed over the fence represented a shared empathy, but that sentiment has now vanished beneath the gray asphalt. The era of living 'together' is fading, and we face the dawn of a time where we must endure 'alone'.

Care, the beginning and the end of human existence

Humans are born in care and end their lives in care. When we do not know how to use language or how to walk, we begin our lives leaning on others. Care is not just an act of giving and receiving help. It is the most fundamental and essential way to recognize and realize the dignity of human existence. Care is not visible, but it is the deepest breath that sustains the entire process of life. However, modern society is gradually forgetting the meaning of this care. In the midst of trends such as low birth rates, aging, nuclear family structures, women's entry into the labor market, and urbanization, the structures of care that communities and families traditionally handled have rapidly disintegrated. In the place where the space for mutual care has disappeared, all that remains is the burden and sacrifice of those who must take on care. Care has now become a burden rather than a right, and it has become an exception rather than a norm.

The 'Youth Who Do Not Cry', a Generation Speaking in Silence

In such an environment, the 'youth who does not cry' is not, as commonly said, a strong being. They are isolated, exhausted, and wounded. However, in a society where even expressing emotions is not allowed, they choose silence to protect themselves. In a society where messages of 'you must endure' and 'it's your responsibility' are repeated, crying becomes a luxury, and vulnerability is taboo. They either have not learned how to ask for help, or they already know that even if they do, it will be ignored. So, they do not cry. Instead, they endure each day with an expressionless face, remaining within their own quiet defense. This silence is not a lack of emotion, but an instinctive self-protection in a society devoid of care. That silence undoubtedly speaks of something. We just have not listened.

Shifting of Responsibility, Lack of Structure

The pain faced by young people is not a matter of individual weakness. It is the result of flaws in the social structure. Care has long since exceeded the responsibilities of families or individuals, yet we have not prepared to transform it into a public responsibility. Unstable jobs, unaffordable housing costs, and fragmented social networks are further isolating young people's lives. Welfare systems do not adequately embrace them. Eligibility thresholds are high, benefits are uneven, and policies are piecemeal. Ultimately, those who need help the most are left outside the system. Society still mistakes the quiet for being 'problem-free' and hesitates to listen to their cries. We are placing social failures on individuals and evading structural solutions by shifting responsibility.

Cracks in the community, gaps in care

The absence of care does not end with individual suffering. It signifies the dissolution of the entire community. A society with care stands on the foundation of trust and solidarity, whereas a society devoid of care is dominated by competition and isolation. Those with resources can purchase care, while those without are neglected and marginalized. This gap in care divides classes, separates generations, and builds invisible walls between regions and people. In spaces where care is absent, distrust thrives, and apathy takes root. And this void becomes a seed of instability that threatens the safety and sustainability of society as time goes on. A society without care ultimately becomes a dangerous society for all.

Ethics of Care, Practice of Human Dignity

We are beings who need care. Whether it is an infant, an elderly person who is ill, or a young adult, care is not limited to a specific period or class, but is a universal right that encompasses the entire process of human life. Implementing that care is not simply a matter of policy, but an ethical responsibility of society as a whole. A society designed around profit and efficiency turns a blind eye to the value of care. However, true social maturity begins with placing people at the center. We now need a philosophical shift that prioritizes cooperation over competition, coexistence over efficiency, and people over results. This is because care is the most tangible face of human dignity.

A New Social Contract: Restructuring Care

We are now living in an era where we can no longer leave care solely to individuals. A more comprehensive public care system must be established, and psychological and emotional support for young people and vulnerable groups should be provided simultaneously. Beyond simple financial assistance, a social foundation that can restore relationships and alleviate isolation is necessary. Education, media, and cultural movements aimed at changing societal perceptions of care are also essential. It should be shared that care is not just an issue for the vulnerable, but a 'problem for everyone's life,' and there is a need for businesses, governments, and civil society to unite to rebuild a sustainable care community.

A society where we can cry, a community where we can smile

A truly healthy society is one where anyone can cry and laugh together. It is a place where one does not have to hide their pain, and asking for help is not a source of shame. Such a society is where human dignity thrives. Care is not a choice, but a responsibility that the community must share. What we can start now may be small, but it is a continuous practice. A warm word exchanged with a neighbor, a casual check-in, a policy that embodies the spirit of solidarity. These will be the power to change today and brighten tomorrow.

Conclusion: Once again, to a society of care

We must reclaim care now. This is not a regression to the past, but a leap toward a better future. A society that can hear the silence of the 'young who do not cry,' a society where care is at the center of life, that is the tomorrow we should aim for. At this very moment, a warm touch that reaches someone's heart can be the beginning. Care is not a grand mission. It is the simplest and most essential way we live as humans. And in the recovery of that care, we can once again regain community and humanity.