Suhana (name changed) is a 20-year-old law student at the National Law University of Odisha. Her life events are nothing short of that of a rollercoaster ride. With many ups and a few downs, she is the boss of her life today, and therapy has played a major role in it.
From a young age, Suhana had been moving a lot, due to her father’s transfers and hence, she had changed many schools. Owing to this, Suhana has been exposed to various cultures as well. Like many of us, Suhana also feels like an ambivert who gets along with people very well but also likes to be alone at times. She enjoys an occasional strum on her ukulele and enjoys others’ company.
“I went through a rough breakup back in 2021, which was the point where I decided to seek therapy. There were a few other issues as well which took a toll on my mental health.”
As Suhana’s two-year-old relationship came to an end, she began to introspect herself and realised she might need help. The pandemic and passing of a few of her relatives also drove her to a point of feeling constantly stressed out.
Suhana was unable to sleep at night and was not feeling as great as she usually would. She had stopped eating, due to the stress.
“All these increased after my breakup. I thought of talking with friends, but they could help only up to a point.”
Suhana had a great support system in form of friends, but as time passed by, she realised only therapy and professional support could aid her. She often woke up with jitters, feeling all alone and tired from the pressure. She was looking for a constant reassurance and support. Suhana felt like she was a burden on people and so she decided to meet with a therapist.
“I had no clue what therapy is. My college introduced me to YourDOST and my friends also gave me a boost to attend these sessions.”
Suhana had no stigma attached to the counseling sessions and so she went with an open mind. She initiated her therapy sessions with a YourDOST expert, Ms Sanjana Guha Roy via chat option.
Sanjana was very empathetic towards Suhana and she loved getting guidance from her. Sanjana asked Suhana to perform certain tasks and assignments in order to feel less stressed. Suhana got a sense of accomplishment once she finished the tasks, something which she was lacking all this while.
“I was so proud of getting things done and Sanjana’s support made the process very smooth. Initially, it was difficult for me to articulate, but sessions went on, and I felt less overwhelmed.”
Suhana was also able to identify some of the deep-rooted issues from her past which was making her feel angry. To leave her anger behind, Sanjana advised Suhana to jot down positive affirmations and journal her thoughts, when and if she felt triggered.
Suhana also began self-introspection on things like how is she is real, how she behaves with others, how does she perceive herself and so on. Suhana now feels that she “knows herself better”! She is slowly letting her grudges go away and feels at ease.
“Sanjana listened to me carefully and then acknowledged and validated my emotions. She truly helped me out of a bad space. She was like a ray of hope for me.”
Suhana finally had someone who was there for her and helped her get out of the bad mindset, and she credits therapy sessions and Sanajna for that. Suhana also loved how Sanjana didnt give her any remedies, instead, guided her with the right techniques. Suhana rated her a solid 4 on 5, in terms of feeling better, and we at YourDOST firmly believe that the 5 on 5 is not far away!
Suhana’s Warrior Tips:
1. Some people have a stigma about mental health that it’s for weak people. But remember, the brain is a part of your body and a therapist is a doctor for your mind.
2. We as a society need to come together and stop this stigma around mental health and therapy. Therapists will guide you through your problems, not create more. Go for it.
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.
