“I did not know who I was for a long time.”

New Tech High @ Coppell senior Sydney Wood’s journey of personal growth began in fourth grade, where she faced setbacks in her mental health.

“I used to struggle with insecurity of my body image or just the way that I speak,” Wood said. “I remember desiring the way other people look and comparing myself with them.”

Wood’s thoughts consumed her, forcing her to fit her perception of perfection.

“It began to worsen in middle school, where I developed an eating disorder,” Wood said. “I would have to get fluids almost every week because of how severe it was, and it just got to the point where I wouldn’t even drink water either.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in 2020, negatively impacted Wood’s mental health through isolation.

“Everyone was already inside their homes and it didn’t make it any better that I was sitting at home doing nothing,” Wood said. “I honestly feel like that made my mental health worse and that’s when my self-harm journey truly began.”

In the midst of her mental health struggles, Wood found it difficult to find her identity.

“I shaved my head, had colored hair, wore dark makeup, and wore baggy clothes even in the hot Texas weather,” Wood said. “I was ashamed of who I was and I didn’t see the purpose of taking care of myself. My emotions were very heightened and I was so sensitive to everything that I was always angry at people all the time for no reason.”

Wood’s parents saw her situation first-hand, and took initiative to provide support.

“I noticed small changes over time such as skipping a meal, sleeping more, forgetfulness and of course her mood,” Sydney’s father A.J. Wood said. “We sought help from the school and looked at Coppell ISD resources. We met with school staff to understand their perspective on Sydney’s obstacles and I’m thankful we found someone who helps our family.”

The support from Sydney’s parents greatly contributed to her wellbeing.

“They’re always my biggest supporters and I definitely think they helped me get through this, but their reactions were definitely very scared, concerned and just wanting to take action,” Sydney said.

Her friends also noticed changes in her behavior.

“My friends were asking me if I was OK because they could see the marks on my arms and all my crazy hairstyles,” Sydney said. “People were concerned for me because I was lashing out so much and it didn’t seem normal.”

Over time, Sydney opened up to the people in her life, sharing her personal experiences.

“It was initially very surprising to me,” Coppell High School senior Julia Cordoba said. “She has always been an incredibly kind and positive person, so I never suspected that she was experiencing mental health struggles to the extent that she was. I was extremely grateful that she trusted me enough to open up, and I tried my best to be a shoulder she could lean on.”

By sharing her story with others at Coppell Coffee Talk, a Bible study group for teenage girls, Sydney found additional support and care.

“Throughout her journey, Sydney has consistently been a joy to those around her,” Coppell Coffee Talk mentor Dawn Ramsey said. “Even while carrying her own struggles, she brings warmth, kindness and light into the spaces she enters. It’s a reminder that someone can be deeply compassionate and positive while still walking through their own healing.”

Although facing mental health challenges, Sydney found ways to cope with her thoughts.

“I love nature and going outside definitely puts me in such a good mood,” Sydney said. “Looking at flowers or even the nighttime constellations is such a simple thing, but one of the things that motivated me. It gave me the eagerness to find a different one every single night and I started to appreciate the little things for sure.”

With the love she received from those around her, Sydney found solace in her identity. Hoping to share her story with others, she posted a video of her journey on TikTok.

“Mental health isn’t something that should be taken lightly and every person does matter,” Sydney said. “I’m so open to talking about this and I want to be an example that you can overcome your hardest, most painful, most heart-wrenching moments. Even though you don’t feel it right now, you are going to get through this, and it’s exactly why I posted that TikTok.”

Sydney also discovered passions driving her ambitions, reinstating her purpose. After high school, she plans to pursue cosmetology school along with journalism and psychology.

Her personal journey of mental health has been an inspiration to others, giving her friends a new perspective on her resilience.

“Sydney shifted from seeming untouchable and distant to the incredibly cheerful, bubbly and thoughtful person I know today,” Cordoba said. “She has such an infectious positivity, and I am so thankful that I was able to watch her grow throughout her mental health journey.”

Sydney is now four years self-harm free. Though she holds onto her past struggles, she now embraces her story and continues thriving with a positive mind.

“My goal is to continue living life to the fullest and to be a better person every day,” Sydney said. “You are the one in control of your own life, and nothing is going to change if you don’t do something about it.”

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