Chapter 1: Understanding Identity in Adolescence

During my formative years, I found myself struggling to comprehend who I was. Lacking a framework to build my identity, I felt isolated from any cultural or individual examples that could guide me. The concept of identity was foreign to me, and I was too constrained by societal norms in my small town to explore beyond what was deemed "acceptable." Consequently, I led a life devoid of any significant distinction, which I now aim to recount.

In small-town America, despite differences in backgrounds, many experiences tend to be similar. I believe my reflections, grievances, and unfulfilled aspirations may resonate with others who share similar backgrounds.

As one matures, society expects individuals to abandon childhood notions and confront the "real world," which often feels harsh and unforgiving. Attending college might delay this harsh reality, but it doesn't eliminate the confusion that comes with adolescence.

I was a young person filled with uncertainty and unhappiness. Daily life felt like an uphill battle, where what seemed like insurmountable obstacles was simply the routine. This state of confusion lingered long after high school, but my focus here is on those difficult years between ages 12 and 18. Although we might later look back and dismiss those worries as trivial, our memories can be selectively forgiving.

When I express my feelings of discontent with the world, I refer to a broader spectrum of issues. The truths I was told often proved to be misleading or deceptive. Originality was undervalued, and misplaced priorities prevailed as everyone chased fleeting trends in music and fashion. It was disheartening to witness how quickly what was once popular faded into obscurity, leaving behind a cycle of consumerism that felt misguided.

This starkly contrasted with my childhood lessons and instincts. The world I perceived felt alien and unsuitable for someone like me. Over time, I internalized the belief that I was fundamentally flawed—a notion that spiraled into feelings of inadequacy.

I realized that I required professional help to navigate these turbulent emotions. Contrary to some beliefs, I don't subscribe to the idea that one can simply outgrow the challenges of youth to become a fully developed adult. This is a naive perspective.

What was considered normal in my youth made little sense to me. I lacked a reference point to critique my surroundings—be it a person or a set of beliefs. I failed to recognize the importance of rebellion, which I now see as crucial. My experience could have been vastly different if I had encountered works like "The Catcher in the Rye" earlier in life.

Yet, what held me back? There were numerous factors, primarily stemming from the narrow-mindedness of my small-town environment. No single individual was to blame; it was a collective atmosphere that stifled individuality.

The alternative to perceiving myself as broken was to adopt the persona of the disillusioned youth. While this perspective has its merits, it was not my destiny. I withdrew from social interactions, becoming a mere observer of high school life, and no adults seemed concerned about my detachment.

Moreover, I was unaware of the deception that often governs human interactions. I lacked insight into the complexities of reality, reminiscent of the iceberg metaphor—where the visible is just a fraction of the whole. I had to confront the painful truth that dishonesty and manipulation were prevalent.

This understanding is a reality that every young person must confront as they transition into adulthood. Unfortunately, for me, this transition never fully occurred.

I harbored dreams of becoming an artist, viewing it as the pinnacle of aspiration. Artists, I believed, channel their inner turmoil into their creations, liberating their spirits from confinement. However, societal messages led me to believe I lacked the talent or intellect to pursue such a path.

I internalized the belief that I had to suppress my true self. My teenage mantra became one of self-protection; no part of my identity could be exposed. This mindset contributed to the pervasive self-loathing that haunted my adolescence. Finding a personal identity would have been a crucial step toward combating this negativity, though I did not realize it at the time.

The concept of identity was not introduced to me until my college years, which is not the crux of my argument. The struggles of youth are often dismissed as mere phases that one will eventually overcome. However, the signs of mental illness should not be trivialized; they may indicate deeper issues.

Today, awareness of mental health has improved, largely due to the influence of the internet.

I suspect many others have similar stories. In my case, fear silenced me; I felt undeserving of attention and believed I had no right to speak up. Often, it takes the voices of others to guide someone until they find their own.

Perhaps it is an idealistic notion, but I firmly believe that every school should implement a mental health curriculum. Skills in socialization and emotional intelligence are not just optional extras; they are essential for functioning in society.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

In her TEDx talk, "I Survived Teenage Anxiety and All I Got Was This Book," Lily Grace shares her personal experience with anxiety and the lessons she learned through her journey. Her story emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness among young people.

Emily Angstreich's TEDx talk, "Mental Illness: It's Normal," addresses the stigma surrounding mental health issues. She encourages open discussions and understanding of mental illness, reinforcing the idea that it is a common experience that deserves recognition.