By Cole Fidelman
My teenage years were a storm of relentless despair, so dense and debilitating that I often wondered if I’d ever emerge from its shadows. Every morning, waking up felt like lifting a weight that was impossible to bear. I remember thinking how my own bed sheets, which should’ve felt comforting, seemed more like chains, holding me down, reminding me of the weight of my existence.
Between my parent’s tumultuous divorce, my struggle with overeating, and the chokehold of social media, I found myself sinking deeper into a pit of darkness. Days blurred into nights, and there were times when I genuinely couldn’t tell if the sun was up. The depression held me hostage, and the idea of facing another day seemed insurmountable. I wasn’t just sad; I was numb, devoid of any feeling. Moments that should have brought joy or anger barely elicited a flicker of emotion.
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The sounds of laughter, the chatter of friends, all of it seemed distant, muffled even, by a thick fog that surrounded me. Every reflection in the mirror was a stranger staring back, eyes empty, devoid of hope. It felt like no one truly saw me, and more heartbreakingly, that no one cared to. Loneliness wasn’t just an emotion, it became my identity.
However, it wasn’t always this bleak. At just 14 years old, having hit what felt like the absolute rock bottom, I came to a painful realization. This wasn’t how my story was destined to end. Drawing inspiration from my dad and my own determination, I found a spark of willpower to turn my life around.
The first few weeks were brutal. I complained constantly even though I willed myself to work out. But once I began seeing results, my attitude shifted. I became motivated, creating my own fitness routines to get as healthy as possible. I lost 60 pounds in just 5 months!
This small success showed me that change was possible if I put in consistent effort. I realized that losing weight required acknowledging my struggles, making a plan, having discipline and perseverance, and building new habits.
As I adopted this growth mindset, other areas of my life improved too. I rebuilt damaged relationships and reconnected with friends. People noticed how much happier I seemed.
I wanted to pay forward what I had learned. I interviewed successful individuals across industries to gain their insights on how teens can thrive. I compiled this wisdom into The Teenage Guide to Success, using my TICK TOCK formula as a framework.
Writing this book was extremely healing. Being open about my struggles with depression helped me realize I’m not alone. I want my story to inspire other teens facing mental health challenges. No matter how dark it gets, you have the strength to take control of your life and move towards the light.
Though my depression will always be a part of me, it no longer defines me. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the right mindset and support system, you can overcome adversity. Stay hopeful, focus on progress, and know that your potential is limitless. You’ve got this!
