Originally from Punjab, Gurnoor is a 23-year-old kind and diligent individual working in Synopsis as a software engineer. He has lived in many different cities in North India Delhi and Nagpur, and his journey led him to IIIT Guwahati where he pursued his BTech in Computer Science.
While his career may paint the backdrop of his life it was the colours of his hobbies that truly illuminate his story. Before he left for college, Gurnoor did not pursue many extracurricular activities. When he shifted cities for his education, he started to explore the uncharted territory of his interests.
He discovered a deep passion for poetry, which allowed him to express his emotions and creativity in a way he had experienced before. Gurnoor’s exploration did not stop at poetry.
He also ventured into the world of photography, capturing the beauty of the places he visited and the people he met along the way. This newfound hobby allowed him to see the world through a different lens, appreciating the finer details of life.
While Gurnoor’s life was filled with adventures and discoveries, he held one constant close to his heart- his family. He shares a loving relationship with his parents, acknowledging their role in his journey. He has a younger sister, and despite living in different cities due to their education and work commitments, their bond remains strong.
However, life was not without its struggles. As he ventured into a romantic relationship during college, he encountered challenges that shook him. Heartbreak and confusion deeply overwhelmed him, and the weight of his emotions only seemed to grow into a burden.
“During the time of my breakup, I found it very hard to cope with everything else. I was struggling to stop overthinking.”
The stress and confusion began to take a toll on him. During this challenging time, he stumbled upon YourDOST through his college, IIIT Guwahati. He decided to give therapy a shot, and it was a decision that would change his life for the better.
“My counselor, Ms. Anita, was extremely understanding. She allowed me to take my time to open up since it wasn’t something I do often.”
Ms. Anita helped Gurnoor make sense of the overwhelming emotions he was experiencing. The pain was deep, and he hesitated to reveal his vulnerabilities.
However, with time and Ms. Anita’s guidance, he began to feel comfortable expressing his thoughts and emotions.
His counselor’s first impression played a significant role in breaking down Gurnoor’s initial reservations. She created a safe space where he could express himself freely, understanding the importance of confidentiality in his sessions.
“Maybe that’s why life is so precious. No rewind or fast-forward, just patience and faith.”
-Cristina Marrero
This was a quote that Gurnoor centred his life around. During the therapy sessions, he learned to be patient with himself. He understood that his journey was a learning curve that he could take his time to explore. Ms. Anita’s suggestions played a pivotal role in helping him regain his emotional balance.
Gurnoor started journaling, a practice that not only provided perspective but also ignited a passion for writing. The very act of putting his thoughts and feelings into words became a form of therapy in itself.
“My counselor helped me find peace among all the confusion I had. She also encouraged me to explore different hobbies which helped me in my healing process.”
Looking back, Gurnoor elucidates just how important it is to seek help when you need it. As Author John Green says, “There is hope even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”
He rates himself 4 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, bearing testament to the fact that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for tomorrow.
Gurnoor’s Warrior Tips:
1. “There is no rush in improvement. It’s a journey that takes time, so enjoy the ride.”
2.“Do not keep your emotions bottled up. Instead, speak to a trusted person in your life. Saying it out loud is an important part of healing.”
