Our warrior of the story, Ankit, is a 28-year-old born and raised in Uttar Pradesh. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bhopal and currently works at BYJU’s
During this time in Bhopal, he discovered his love for books and writing. He’s an avid reader and occasionally dabbles in writing, often leaning toward satire and humour.
During his childhood, Ankit mentions that he was a quiet child. He would keep to himself and try his best to meet the expectations of his family.
“When I was growing up, I tried to be as responsible as I could. I focused on being an obedient child and doing my schoolwork, but I found it very difficult to express how I felt with my family.”
Ankit mentions that he harboured a deep sense of reservation. He struggled to open up about his emotions, due to a lack of encouragement from his family.
There were dreams and desires that he longed to pursue, thoughts he yearned to express, but the circumstances held him back. The weight of unspoken words and unfulfilled aspirations grew heavier with time.
Adding to his struggles, Ankit had epilepsy, a condition which exacerbated his anxiety. After consulting neurologists, he learned that stress played a significant role in triggering his seizures. This newfound knowledge left him feeling anxious and hopeless, emotions that he was not used to experiencing before.
“After I finished my master’s degree, I felt confused about where my career would take me. I was so overwhelmed with this change that I reached a point where I struggled to fall asleep at night.”
Ankit mentions that he tried to be strong, but the burden of being unable to express his emotions took its toll. He couldn’t muster the courage to share his feelings with anyone, and past traumas haunted him as a relentless flashback.
He knew that the stress he was experiencing had to be addressed. He didn’t want to continue living with that burden on his shoulders; he needed someone who could understand and help him cope.
Ankit recognized that the conflicts within her family had been affecting him more than he realised, contributing to the anxiety he was experiencing. This moment of realisation led him towards a journey of healing with YourDOST.
“When I first heard about YourDOST, I was very interested in giving counseling a shot. But I just couldn’t seem to make the time. Eventually, I realised I must prioritise my mental health so I booked my first appointment with Ms. Ananka.”
Ankit’s first impression of Ms. Ananka was overwhelmingly positive. He felt comfortable and at ease in her presence. Ms. Ananka’s understanding and patience reassured him that he found the right person to confide in.
As they began their sessions, even small changes felt like significant accomplishments with Ms. Ananka’s unwavering support.
“My counselor helped me break down my problems, which provided a lot of clarity for me. I learned to approach these problems more calmly and healthily.
A key recommendation Ms. Ananka gave Ankit was journaling his thoughts and feelings. It was a powerful tool for tracking his progress and gaining new perspectives, even on his negative thoughts.
Today, Ankit mentions that he is no longer afraid to face obstacles head-on. Rather, he approaches them with a more positive and courageous attitude.
“Ms. Ananka has helped me grow more confident and expressive. She has helped me realise that there is no shame in asking for help when you need it.”
Ankit rates himself a 3 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, acknowledging that he has come a long way since he began counseling. We are beyond proud of his journey, and wish him all the best for his future!
Ankit’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Though it may seem a bit scary, give counseling a try. It will help you find great ways to cope with difficult feelings.”
2.“Make time to prioritize your mental health, and be vocal about your feelings.”
