How do you cope with overbearing expectations and pressure?

Other people's expectations do not have power over you unless you give it to them. You need to start training yourself to be your own judge. Brainstorm a list of "Things I would like to do but other people would not understand." Then begin doing things on the list. Start with stuff that would puzzle other people but not send them into a tizzy. Work up to doing things that they would throw a fit about--or NOT doing things that they are expecting you to do. You have got to make this a priority. Living life according to others' expectations & pressure is horrible. You will die never having lived your own life.