Coming from the heart of a middle-class family – this is the story of 21-year-old Ramswroop Ishram. Ramswroop grew up in a joint family, where he shared the love and warmth among ten family members. Belonging from a science background, Ramswroopis currently pursuing an integrated BSc and MSc degree with a major in Geology from the prestigious IISER Kolkata.
Not only was Ramswroopa a bright student, but he also enjoyed yoga, playing games, and taking part in various extracurricular activities. Ramswroopis a person who takes challenges as they come! Choosing to come out from a Hindi medium school to an English-speaking environment being a clear depiction of the same.
However, Ramswaroop’s life was going smoothly in his new college until something unprecedented happened to him.
“When you’re alone, your thoughts and desires become weird. The Covid-19 lockdown made me realise that.”
Ramswroop moved back home just after the Covid-19 unlock phase 1 occurred. Ramswroop was used to receive warmth and affection from his family members, but the isolation during lockdown flipped his life.
As the situation demanded, soon Ramswroopwas compelled to be indoors with no one around him. It was a huge leap that resulted in hours of loneliness. Isn’t it obvious for many of us to know what could follow next? – Ample time with our own thoughts!
“I was very frustrated because I was always used to having people around me. Staying alone made me dive into depression.”
Soon, Ramswaroop’s enthusiasm towards life was tarnished by a tendency to feel gloomy. Not only was his family apart from him during his 15-day mandatory quarantine, but also his friends. All he was left with was his phone where he would spend 12-13 hours daily. Being a person who loves to eat a lot, Ramswaroop’s body soon lost its appetite.
Although he was a person with a bring-it-on attitude, the loneliness made Ramswroop reflect his inability to converse in English.
As a result of such overthinking tendencies, Ramswroop started worrying about his future possibilities of getting a job. Following the lack of confidence, he inculcated a fear of facing anyone. This irrational fear became a serious issue when he moved back to his hostel. Ramswroop couldn’t even go to mess from his room nor could he face his friends. “Despite feeling the loneliness, I felt like everyone was staring at me.”– Ramswroop mentioned.
When Ramswaroop’s friend found out about the issues he was going through, he suggested counseling or therapy. As YourDOST is an emotional wellness partner of IISER Kolkata, Ramswaroop’s friend suggested their counseling services.
Ramswroop got in touch with YourDOST counselor, Mr Abrar Raza via video call sessions. With the help of Abrar’s patient and calm demeanour, Ramswrooptook off on(set on) his journey to betterment.
Ramswroop was initially finding it difficult to open up to a counselor, as he was feeling guilty of sharing his personal problems with others. However, the tables turned when he realised that he had found a place to vent out without getting judged. He soon started appreciating the counseling process.
Ramswroop started practising the techniques suggested by Abrar. One of the crucial techniques required him to stay idle without taking any tension about his career or studies for a stretch of 14 days. The idea behind this technique was to focus his mind and energy on himself. Ramswroop also indulged himself in a routine of yoga.
Not long before these sessions reached their endpoint, Ramswroop found himself in a new vibe altogether! The turbulence in his mind had slowed down, so did his loss of appetite. The newfound Ramswroop looked healthier from inside as well as outside. Today, he continues with his routine of practising yoga regularly.
“I am really thankful to my counselor because he made me adapt to positive changes.”
The Ramswroopwe knew before was afraid to reveal his counseling practices in front of anyone fearing to be judged. Today he makes his friends understand that it is necessary to be aware of oneself and how counseling can help with that.
“Just like people take paracetamol when they have a headache, similarly, counseling sessions are available for uncomfortable thoughts of the mind.”
Summing up his overall counseling experience, Ramswroopexpresses that he feels more confident than ever. He rates his overall development through counseling as a 2 out of 5. But for all of us at YourDOST, Ramswroop is already a 5 on 5!
Ramswroop’s Warrior Tips:
1. You might be afraid to share your mental condition but go for counseling because eventually, it works wonders.
2. Counseling sessions are like medicine. You take it and you heal.
3. Because of lack of awareness, people are not approaching better mental health. I think it’s time to spread awareness and improve oneself.
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