“No matter how much falls on us, we keep ploughing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear.”
Greg Kincaid
Here’s the story of an individual who, no matter what came his way, kept moving forward with courage, determination, and support.
From Agra, the city where the Taj Mahal stands tall and history comes alive, hails Manish. He’s 21 years old and is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Computer Science from IIT Patna.
Manish comes from a family of five and is the eldest among three siblings. His father, having retired from the Army, instilled values of discipline and responsibility from a young age.
He’s very passionate about playing football, as well as chess. His childhood was filled with joy as he built lasting friendships in his neighbourhood.
“Among my friends, there was one that stood out. He was very dedicated to his studies, and it inspired me to be the same.”
A true friend has the power to inspire us in unimaginable ways. Manish’s friend’s dedication and achievements motivated him to invest more time in his schoolwork.
“After I started devoting my time to school work, I realised just how much I am truly capable of. I was the district topper when I was in high school, which is still one of the greatest achievements of my life.”
With his sights set on even greater horizons, Manish left his hometown for KOTA, the hub of IIT-JEE coaching in India. However, the journey turned out to be more arduous than he had ever imagined.
Kota’s competitive environment brought with it a sense of loneliness that weighed heavily on Manish’s shoulders. He withdrew into himself, neglecting his health consuming unhealthy food and rarely stepping outside. This lifestyle shift began to erode his positive attitude towards life.
But life had another curveball in store for him.
“As I was preparing for my JEE exam, I started hearing a voice that was constantly telling me what to do. It was an unexplainable feeling, and it interfered with my days and nights.”
Manish mentions that his parents were very worried about him, and tried to do whatever they could to help him get the best support. As Manish struggled with his mental health, his parents became his unwavering pillars of strength.
“I went to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with Schizophrenia. I started taking medication regularly and over time, things started to settle down.”
Though this revelation was not easy to comprehend, it also marked the beginning of a path of recovery. When Manish attended his orientation at IIT Patna, he was introduced to YourDOST.
“I registered for counseling on the same day of our orientation. That’s when I met Ms. Kashish, my counselor who has been with me through every step of the way.”
Ms. Kashish became a beacon of support and understanding. She helped Manish navigate the challenges of schizophrenia and regain control over his life.
Unfortunately, Manish still faced a harsh reality. His friends and their parents withdrew away from him. The isolation was painful, but he did not let it define him.
With newfound strength, he channeled his energy into preparing for his JEE entrance exams. His determination was unwavering, and his hard work paid off when he secured a remarkable score.
His journey didn’t end there. He realised healing is a continuous journey and he was committed to his mental health. Ms. Kashish helped him discover the power of journaling, a technique that helped him track his progress and alleviate the emotional burden he carried.
“I’m so grateful to Ms. Kashish for helping me stay positive and understand the importance of self-care.”
Manish’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the darkest of times, with determination and the support of loved ones, we can overcome the toughest challenges life has to offer.
He rates himself a 4.5 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, and we could not be more proud of the resilience and courage he has shown.
Manish’s Warrior Tips:
1.“We owe it to ourselves to care for our well-being. Always do your best to be kind to your mind and body.”
2.“Make time for journaling in your daily lives. It is a great way to stay disciplined and keep track of your progress.”
