“A lot of people told me I should be quiet about being bisexual and not say anything, but for me, this is a part of my identity.” – Katie Hill
During her graduation, Meera (name changed) got into therapy. Yes, you read that right! It might be too soon to jump into this part where her world was falling apart, let us walk through what broke her soul but also helped her be the heroine of her life!
Born and brought up in the city of Delhi, Meera seemed like just another individual with a common life. What makes this individual different altogether is her fiery personality with a compassionate soul. Meera found solace in books and she called it her “soul escape” from all her problems.
“I have always loved dogs. This part of me helped me rescue a couple of dogs in need.”
Meera also is actively involved in social work. Other than being vigorously a part of the administrative body of her college, Meera also has been a part of many NGO’s. This individual believes that she does whatever is in her soul capacity to be of help to society. Meera also has been actively helping the underprivileged. Meera doesn’t call herself religious, but her belief in a higher power makes her a spiritual being.
“I always felt more mature than my age. When I was in 10th standard, I went through a terrible break-up and that left me heartbroken.”
That was a time when Meera was undergoing a lot of fluctuations in her personality. Being heartbroken from the inside, once extroverted Meera, was now a person who was afraid of people. Soon Meera was going through something called “imposter syndrome”, which she realised through therapy.
Impostor syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, impostorism, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments.
“By the second year of my college, my family was going through a lot of personal issues. But that was also a timeline when something else added to the chaos in my life.”
Meera discovered her gender to be bisexual. Coming out with such a discovery wasn’t that easy for Meera to cope with and to express. Nonetheless, Meera fell for another individual and what followed next was another heartbreak. Meera was broken, discovering the fact that her partner was already in a relationship with someone else, drowning her to the core of self-doubt and agony.
“Once I lost all my strength and I remember strolling down the streets in tears. I couldn’t stop my tears and I felt lost.”
That day, Meera was encountered by a random person who grabbed her phone and called the last person in her call logs. Meera being consumed by all the negativity around her realised that overall, it was taking a huge toll on her mental health. It also stood as a bridge between old Meera who seemed helpless and the new Meera who is invincible now.
“I was ready to let go of my old ways where I had faced behavioural changes like rudeness, introversion which also led to stress eating and unusual weight gain.”
Meera’s college was associated with YourDOST, through which she had previously sought counseling services. But this time, as Meera was a working professional, she luckily found YourDOST in her company as well. Meera got in touch with Ramitha through audio calls and began her counseling journey.
“Ramitha was empathetic and provided me with the kind of warmth I was seeking. I had found my safe space.”
As the counseling sessions proceeded, Meera was taken through a series of techniques. Ramitha showed her how Meera could relax her body before going to sleep. Meeras was also suggested to follow the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to gain control over her anxiety. Meera also started following a to-do list to keep a track of the tasks she had to achieve in a day which helped her stay focused.
“I was also advised to maintain a worry jar. Every time I had anything bothering me, I was supposed to write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the jar.”
By the end of the journey, Meera was standing in a different but brighter place. Meera believes that the techniques kept her going through the heartbroken phase and she appreciates having a safe space to vent out. Meera extends her hearty gratitude to her counselor and clearly describes the voice as a “ray of hope”, as she was connected through audio calls throughout.
Meera came out stronger, brighter and the fire in her soul was re-ignited! Meera says that “there is always light at the end of the tunnel” and is not heartbroken anymore.
We, at YourDOST, completely agree with her wise words and know that we need more people like Meera to make this world a better place!
Meera’s Warrior Tips:
1. There is always light at the end of the dark tunnel.
2. No matter how heartbroken you are, venting out helps you to find a safe space for yourself.
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.
