Beneath the surface: how duck syndrome impacts young people’s pursuit of success

The 27-year-old woman often shares pictures of lavish vacations and gourmet meals and gets hundreds of likes and admiring comments.

But behind these images is a dark reality she keeps hidden: she induces vomiting after eating meals and works out manically. She also juggles three to four jobs to afford her lifestyle, often only sleeping three or four hours a night.

Linh believes that while everyone hustles for success, showing a life of ease and luxury will earn her admiration. "I want it to look like I achieve easily what others struggle to accomplish," she confesses.

Phuong Vy from northern province of Hai Duong has consistently impressed those around her with her remarkable achievements, such as topping her class for 12 years, gaining admission to a prestigious university, and securing a position at a major corporation.

However, behind her success lies countless sleepless nights of studying and working long hours. She often splashes cold water on her face to stay awake during late-night work sessions and even presses on her temples when the exhaustion becomes unbearable.

Vy is willing to put in extra hours on weekends, driven by the desire for financial freedom and to support her parents.

Despite the challenges she faces, Vy prefers to keep her struggles to herself. The 26-year-old believes that the outcome—her success—is more important than discussing the efforts that led to it.

Phuong Vy during a trip to northern Vinh Phuc province in early 2024. Photo courtesy of Vy

Linh and Vy exemplify "Duck Syndrome," a psychological term coined by Stanford University researchers. It refers to the duck gliding across the water effortlessly, but beneath the surface, its legs paddle frantically to stay afloat.

The term describes individuals who present calmness to conceal their struggles to achieve their goals.

Explaining the causes of "Duck Syndrome," Dr Hoang Trung Hoc, head of the Psychology Faculty at the National Academy of Education Management in Hanoi, states that it reflects young people's drive, ambition, and desire for success.

The syndrome is common among high achievers, who often feel pressured to maintain an image of excellence in academics or careers.

According to Hoc, the fast pace of modern life pushes Gen Z to chase success quickly, striving for status and recognition. Today's society and interconnected world also glorify superficial achievements, encouraging young people to seek validation through appearances rather than inner fulfillment.

This creates an environment where young people often craft a "perfect facade" to earn admiration, diminishing the value placed on perseverance and effort.

"People become victims of the glamorous image they create," Dr. Hoc explains. "Similar to a duck striving to float, while they appear calm, internally, they may be battling anxiety, self-doubt, and exhaustion."

Duck syndrome describes individuals who seem composed on the outside but are internally overwhelmed by the pressures of success and the pursuit of high achievements. Photo from Facebook.

A study by Emotion magazine in the U.S. found that people tend to hide emotional struggles, and, by seemingly maintaining composure, unintentionally create more pressure on and isolate themselves from potential support.

This could lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression and burnout among young people, it concluded.

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, last year 14.9% of the population, or around 15 million people, experienced common mental health disorders, with 5-6% being affected by anxiety and depression and 0.47% suffering from schizophrenia.

Some three million children need mental health care, it said.

Dr Tran Thi Hong Thu, a clinical psychologist at Mai Huong Day Psychiatric Hospital in Hanoi, says the number of people seeking help for psychological disorders at her hospital has increased by 20% in recent years.

Many face pressure from their academic or professional career, while some struggle to meet their life goals or society's expectations such as getting married, she says. She warns that these issues can impact mental and physical health over time if not addressed or treated.

Researchers from Stanford University in the U.S. warn that the duck syndrome not only harms people who experience it but can also stress others.

Linh goes into paroxysms of self-doubt if there is a single negative comment questioning her achievements.

The pressure to maintain a perfect appearance exhausts her, prompting her to adopt extreme diets despite suffering from chronic stomach pain and digestive issues.

Vy’s need to maintain her reputation as a high achiever pushes her into overworking. At 26 her disrupted sleep patterns have led to long-term anxiety and insomnia. Though advised to rest more, she struggles with guilt when tasks remain unfinished.

She says society expects successful people to never complain or admit to mental struggles. "If I want wealth and status that others do not have, I must keep pushing myself."

To combat the adverse effects of duck syndrome, Dr. Hoc suggests young people should adopt a slower pace of life and focus on understanding their true values rather than chasing validation from others.

When faced with difficulties or stress, he advises them to question ask themselves what truly matters most in their life, saying this could help them find a better direction. "Appreciation of your ownefforts, whether you succeed or fail, is key to living a happier life. Be proud of yourself and stop living for others' approval!"