The Comparison Trap: Why You Feel Behind — and How to Escape It

That feeling of being “behind” is brutal. You scroll, compare, and suddenly it looks like everyone else has life figured out while you’re stuck. For teens and young adults, that comparison spiral fuels self doubt, triggers guilt and shame, and drags down your emotional well-being.

In this episode, hosted by Mark Taylor, we’ll talk about where this pressure comes from, how it ties into teen mental health, and why comparison is such a trap. You’ll learn how to shift perspective, protect your self esteem, and make better choices that fit your own pace.

This is about using self control to stop spirals before they take over, facing mental challenges without collapsing into shame, and finding advice for teens that helps you focus on who you are becoming — not who you’re “behind.”

Want to get involved?
I’d love to hear from you:

• Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contact
• Leave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemail
• Share your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/new

Explore more from Headstraight:

• Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blog
• Find out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/about

Need support right now?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources page
for helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.

Headstraight: Real Teen Mental Health Support is built on honest conversations — proper Mental Health real talks that make sense in real life. Each episode brings real talk mental health guidance designed to offer steady support for teens navigating the messy, complicated parts of growing up. If you’re looking for a teen mental health podcast that gives grounded support, you’re in the right place.