Self esteem issues are probably normal for most teenagers growing up in society. Pimples popping up on someone’s face can be hell for that girl or guy who is told beauty is everything. The nerd who wants to be transformed into a world class athlete over the summer can really effect someone when they are not happy with whom they are.

What about the guy who is insecure about his body? His lips are too big or his arms aren’t as big as he thinks they should be? What about the girl who feels her chest is under developed and starts to feel insecure in life? I can truly relate to all of these examples because when I was a teenager I was diagnosed with a condition called lymphdemia.

My left leg started swelling and swelling and I was told there was no cure for my problem. Within six years my left leg grew to the size of a tree trunk. You might have seen this chronic condition on a television show called “Medical Mysteries.”

Growing up in America seeing all the magazine ads of what beauty is suppose to be started to mess with my mind. It was bad enough trying to have high self esteem when all I had to worry about was a pimple, but what would I tell the cool kids about my left leg looking so deformed?

I couldn’t wear shorts in the summer time because I thought everyone would stare at me and make jokes. I lied to my friends about going to football games and other events that other teenagers were attending. I realized the only place I felt comfortable was at home in my room away from the public. My left leg had got so bad; I had to wear special baggy pants that were customized to fit.

The value of one's self is very important because it can play a part in a lot of your decisions in life. I use to like playing outside with my friends but because of my lymphdemia and believing my friends would reject me, I decided to stay in the house.

Depression is a real disease that needs to be addressed in our community and going to seek therapy should not be frowned upon. Life always has hurdles for us to jump but if you are handicap or suffering from an illness those hurdles can turn into huge mountains quickly.

If you are dealing with any problems physical or mental don’t hesitate to get help. I once was very depressed because of my ailment but I turned my life around,became a motivational speaker and hope to inspire others in life.