“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” – Hanoch McCarty.
21-year-old Prakam, who is from Haridwar was a student who always participated in almost all of the extracurricular activities. He was brilliant in academics. Prakam cupped the state-level chess championship two times in a row. Apart from these, Prakam also is keen on music that made him learn the guitar and participate in many cultural events. Coming from a family of engineers with his own brother being in that field, Prakam’s parents inspired him to take up engineering as his career too.
“I left for Kota after class 10 where I prepared for my IIT-JEE coaching.”
Prakam, being an extraordinarily bright student, cleared his IIT-JEE coaching with flying colours. He had secured a rank in the top 500 out of a population of 12 lakh candidates. No wonder, his confidence in Science and Mathematics brought him gleaming results. Following this, Prakam was a part of a prestigious institution in the country with a B.Tech. in Computer Science as his branch of study.
“Entering my college, I realised that I was competing against the absolute best in the country. It was intimidating for me.”
Prakam had suddenly found himself in the middle of a very different environment. The best of the best students were there in that institution which made him question his potential and downed his confidence. Soon, Prakam started developing some behavioural changes. He was filled with self-doubt.
“My thought process had changed and I started wondering if I am not good enough. I had developed imposter syndrome.”
Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, and their confidence despite clear external evidence of their competence.
With the onset of Covid-19, Prakam was compelled to undergo a quarantine period and the isolation that followed due to the lockdown. This was the time when he started experiencing some issues with his then-girlfriend.
“Until 18 years of age, we actually are small copies of our parents after which, we come to know who we are. I took a step out of the blue. Liking someone didn’t mean I had to fit in with them.”
After facing a lot of difficulties during the COVID times, Prakam decided to talk to a friend to let out his emotions. Sharing his emotions made Prakam realise the importance of venting out. So, not before long, he decided to consult a counselor from his college which was associated with YourDOST – as their emotional wellness coach.
“I wanted someone to really empathize and understand me. With my counselor, Mahima, I could share about anything and everything.”
Prakam got connected with Mahima Nair through video sessions. He not only talked about his relationship issues but also shared all the other life issues he experienced till then. Mahima on the other hand took a clear understanding of Prakam’s situation and suggested some ways to take control over his problems. The techniques included meditation, gratitude journaling, running and exercising, etc.
“When things don’t naturally seem right, you have to change the way you look at them”.
Through Mahima’s guidance and his sheer will, Prakam had finally reached the end of the dark tunnel. Prakam had entered a new perspective of taking life as it comes. He became more empowered with making decisions with himself.
“Even my friends started noticing changes in my behavior. They noticed that I had become more humble and sorted. My own behavior didn’t contradict itself anymore.”
Prakam stands in a better place today as he says, “If I could advise my three years past-self, I would change nothing and be content with who I am. My past self is the reason for who I am today. I’d not want to change it for anything.”
As Prakam works through his personality on this journey, we at YourDOST feel humbly obliged by his gratitude towards our initiative to help people get better. He also extends his hearty thanks to Mahima for being a constant pillar of support for him.
“YourDOST and its employees are not only a company, but they are also genuinely helping people. It’s reflected in the services they provide.”
Prakam rates himself with a 4.5 out of 5 in terms of feeling better. We wish he rises and shines further with his courageous heart and brave soul.
Prakam’s Warrior Tips:
1. It’s not necessary that counseling will fix everything in life. But it’s worth trying. Counseling can help improve one’s personality too.
2. Seeking help to make things better, improves your situation.
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.
