I was diagnosed with testicular cancer when I was 20 years old. I immediately thought my life had been given an expiry date, but thanks to surgery, chemotherapy and then further major surgery; I was given the all clear a gruelling year later.
I couldn’t wait to get back out there and live my life as normal, but once I did, it just wasn’t what I expected and I hit a deep depression for a very long time. I started seeing counsellors, cognitive behavioural therapists and medical staff, but nothing could get me out of my rut.
I found the realities of life so hard to cope with, especially with the burden of knowing how lucky I was to still be alive. I even felt like I was being ungrateful because I should’ve been relishing and enjoying the opportunity given to me. And with that mind-set it was just an ongoing battle with myself that I thought would spin me completely out of control one day.
I needed help and that’s where Teens Unite came in. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the reason I met Teens Unite was to save my life. They organise life goals sessions to understand what we want to do in life and give us hope that we CAN live our lives the way we want.
I truly can’t thank Teens Unite enough for what they have done for me. I never thought I could accept and take a hold of my own life, but I did. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.
