The human mind. A glorious thing. A dangerous thing. A powerful thing. One mind has the capability to unlock relics since time immemorial or design immaculately advanced technology. Yet, the same mind may contain an array of synapses to employ terrible desires that can lead to the calamity of mankind. No matter the size or frequency of folds within the cortices of the brain, there is one perplexing and sometimes troubling attribute that all brains of the human race contain.

A longing for purpose.

The meaning of life is defined differently from person to person, but the aspect of pondering this remarkable inquiry that rests within the cerebral cortex remains stagnant. An elementary school-aged child would consider growing into adulthood and getting an education to be their purpose, or at least to initiate a primal sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, an elder on the last fringe of their final years understands that the meaning of life is to find happiness within any boundary, with or without previously acquired relationships. Thus, every human has a purpose in life guided by an established or newfound destiny. However, the word ‘destiny’ is a unique and relative term.

Some may say that destiny is a preordained pathway through the wilderness we know as life itself. Whether appointed by a worshiped deity or a ration of chaos derived from dark matter within the uncharted parts of the universe, there resides an undeniable claim that not even the most ambitious of mankind can escape their destiny. In relation, a cliché ambiguity lies in a malevolent sounding synonym. Fate.

Fate and destiny, destiny and fate. The word ‘destiny’ alludes that an action is required to become an adornment of mortality. Fate is deemed the more sinister of the two, deriving from a preconceived notion that an existential crisis is the punishment of those who dare to delve into the darkest mysteries that are embedded in the human race. The most profound of these secrets are rumored to be intertwined with a curse, to which there is no remedy. Some of our forefathers have exchanged their sanity for this forbidden knowledge, and some of these curses have been passed from generation to generation.

One can reflect on how these curses came to pass or how these mysteries of the universe were first revealed. Perhaps that is why the world is the way it is now. Famine, disease, and turmoil plague our Earth, reaping the lives of many only in an attempt to satisfy an unseen hunger. This voracious noncorporeal entity still remains unknown, but its seed has surely been sown into civilization. So one may ask, ‘What is this concealed force and how can we eliminate it?’ One folly of mankind is the devastating fear of the unknown, as the unknown is perceived to be a threat which cannot be halted. But, what is a curse without a blessing? What is destiny if there isn’t an adamant mind behind it?

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

There is no doubt that there are people who wait and hope for an antidote to a hastily interpreted hex. The curse to a curious mind is becoming aware of that individual’s demise. The curse of a child being bullied morphs them into a treacherous serial killer. The same malediction of a tortured soul leads to the desire of ending their own life.

The modern human psyche is a complex trove of chemical imbalances that grovel for a panacea. Depression. Anxiety. Schizophrenia. Psychosis. These mental health disorders are submerged within society, often hidden from others out of guilt or fear. The most extreme of these lead to self-harm or the harm of others, whether intentional or unintentional. Even so, this mental health crisis affects all age groups which often go disregarded. Among adults, the essence of pride can mask the need to obtain professional help. As a young child, psychological developmental challenges and issues are cast aside from oblivious parents. But, the fairest number of cases with depression, anxiety, and related disorders reside with adolescents.

‘It’s just a phase; you’ll grow out of it!’

‘It’s not that bad; just smile and ignore it!’

‘I’m depressed too; do you think you are the only one who is sad?!’

Parents are the primitive authors of the gaslighting method. The teenage years are the most vulnerable, as it is the stage in life where one begins to find their identity and create a sense of belonging. This critical period is an unmistakable hellish pit that is flooded with varying emotions and beliefs. Although perceived to be ‘acting out’ from a parent’s point of view, teenagers are trying to cope with the new elements of growing into adulthood. High school. Romantic relationships. Peer pressure. A reform of social life. Numerous forms of abuse. All of these major events have their own pestilence, wherefore immense anxiety, depression, and behavioral tactics are just a small part of the crisis.

So, is this forevermore the fate of adolescents? Are they destined to endure the most horrid and wounding partition of life? Some may agree, others are reluctant. Nevertheless, the mind of a teenager is seemingly melded by their environment and social life. With the influence of past history, this age group walks on the bloodiest of battlefields in order to protect themselves. So, whether a teenager is present at school, on the basketball court, or even at a diner, they can evolve into one of two anomalies.

Are they a martyr?

…Or are they a monster?