Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
“I barely studied and still aced this test!” It can be upsetting to see classmates get good grades on exams when they don’t seem to work very hard. We might even pretend we are doing well, too, even though we are struggling.
This can be a sign of duck syndrome, according to Dr Ken Fung. He is a psychologist. Duck syndrome describes people who appear calm but feel stressed inside.
“This is an unhealthy way to cope with problems where one pretends to have a perfect life but they are secretly struggling,” Fung said. He is the director of therapy and counselling at Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre and the founder of Your Relationship Clinic.
How are ducks related to my feelings?
This syndrome’s name comes from the way ducks seem to glide easily on the water. But in fact, their legs are paddling very fast beneath the water. This is similar to how some people try to pretend like they have no problems even if they are secretly dealing with difficulties.
Fung explained: “In this sense, duck syndrome is a response to the fear of being judged for not achieving what our family, culture, or society expects of us.”
Fung said Hong Kong’s demanding education system could put pressure on students. Parents often expect their children to do well in school. This can make them feel scared of failing especially if they see their classmates getting good grades. “They might hide their struggles and try to act like a good student all the time even when they’re feeling overwhelmed.”
What if I have duck syndrome?
Signs of duck syndrome include being unable to relax, doubting yourself, thinking you are not good enough and feeling like nobody understands you. Fung warned that this could lead to other issues like depression or anxiety.
He suggested writing down your thoughts to help you understand your feelings. Think of a person you trust, and try talking to them about your struggles. It can help just to share your emotions with someone else. You might be surprised to hear they also have their own difficulties.
If your stress and fear are affecting your daily life and studies, it is key to tell an adult.
“Remember, no one is perfect. It is OK not to be OK,” Fung said.
Use the puzzle below to test your knowledge of the vocabulary words in the story.
Suggested answers
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Before you read: Answers may vary.
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Stop and think: The term is based on the idea that a duck seems to move in the water with ease and little effort, while they are actually paddling intensely under the surface.
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Consider: Dr Fung said that students with duck syndrome may feel not good enough or like they can’t relax. They may doubt their abilities and feel misunderstood.
