The Aimless Teen

Male, 18, High School Student, Introverted
Goal: Wants direction and purpose

“People assume that if you grow up with money, you automatically have everything. That was my life. My parents provided everything: the best schools, expensive clothes, trips abroad. But none of it made me feel alive.

At school, I was the quiet one in the corner. I had friends, but I never really felt like I belonged. Everyone else seemed to have dreams - doctor, engineer, artist, athlete. I had none. My life felt like a blank page I didn’t know how to write on.

At home, the pressure was constant. My parents wanted me to plan for university, to ‘make something’ of myself. They couldn’t understand why I seemed so disengaged and disinterested. But what's the point? There's nothing I want. Why work so hard? I already have everything.

I didn’t expect much from RTT. Therapy sounded like something for people with bigger problems. But in my first session, everything shifted. I was guided back to childhood memories that explained so much.

I saw myself as a little boy, showing my parents a drawing I was proud of, only to be met with distracted nods and comments like, ‘That’s nice, but you should focus on your studies.’ I realized I had learned early on that my interests, my passions, were not important. That small moment planted a belief that followed me through life: ‘What I care about doesn’t matter.’

RTT helped me connect the dots. I didn't dare to dream. I didn't think it mattered. I was afraid to dream, afraid to fail, afraid to disappoint.

I now understand my worth isn’t tied to achievements or expectations. I can do things 'just for fun' so I started asking myself, ‘What excites me? What do I actually care about?’

I picked up a guitar I hadn’t touched in years. I joined a small club at school, just to see if I’d like it. For the first time, I spoke up in class without rehearsing my words a hundred times in my head.

I began to imagine a future - not one mapped out by my parents, but one that feels like mine. I am not suddenly cured of self-doubt, but I do feel lighter and freer.

Now, I’m exploring passions I didn't know I have, allowing myself to try new things everyday. I still don’t have it all figured out, but that no longer terrifies me. I’m learning that purpose isn’t something you’re handed - it's something you find out more about with every step forward. For the first time, I am actively involved in creating my life.”

Symptom Tags

#LowMotivation #Anxiety #LackOfPurpose #Isolation #SelfDoubt