Meenakshi Nautiyal, 32, is a Marketing professional based out of Bangalore. It was just when the COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown had started that she first connected with her YourDOST Expert.
I did not have any grave personal issues when I decided to seek support. The service was focused towards personality development and work related stress, so I decided to give it a shot.
Meenakshi is very cognizant of the stigma associated with seeking professional help.
People tend to think that one should only enroll for such programs and seek emotional support if there are some visible signs. Why should that be the case? Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to.
She was referred to Puroitree Majumdar, a clinical psychologist and an in-house expert at YourDOST.
They began their sessions by talking about her career, work, goals and aspirations. Things seemed to be going well but all of a sudden, life took a rough turn.
I had to part ways with my company without any fallback or planning. This was the first time in a decade of working that I found myself clueless about where I was going next. It just shook my confidence to the core. I felt like I was not good enough.
This event greatly impacted her personal life as well. Now, She would get easily irritated. She was a multitasker but now couldn’t even leave her bed. This is when Puroitree really got to work with her. Those sessions helped her get through some of her toughest times.
My conversations with Puriotree were not prompted. Sometimes people try to impose their own thoughts on you, but here the conversation was very organic. This helped me introspect and the exercises they gave also helped me cope.
It took a while but Meenakshi was slowly beginning to see the results, she was gaining back her confidence.
I was finally able to let those emotions wash over me! Previously, I felt that constant need to stay positive all the time. Now, I’m able to tell myself that it’s okay, embrace it all. Don’t sweep it under the rug. I also try to not let petty things affect me, there are better things to spend your energy on.
Here’s what she has to say to those who have experienced layoffs and distress during this pandemic –
Talk to your friends, seek help, find a friendly counselor. Find someone who will give you an objective view rather than a subjective one. I think it’s very important for people to know that you don’t need to wait till the very end to reach out for support, you can also seek help when you just need a direction in life and want to become a better version of yourself.
Hats off to Meenakshi for facing what life threw her way head on and emerging stronger than ever. We can all learn something from her.
Are you someone who has gone through a difficult phase and emerged stronger and better, with some professional help? Share your story with us to encourage thousands of others who might be struggling. Click here to submit your story.
Meenakshi’s Warrior Tips:
1. Talk to your friends
2. Find someone who will give you an objective view rather than a subjective one
3. Don’t wait until the very end to reach out for support
