Kaira was determined to make her mark on the world. Hailing from the bustling city of Delhi, amidst the chaotic daily, life routines. Kaira is 23 years old and making her way through the challenges to grow stronger each day. Family, work, and dreams were the three pillars of her life, each playing an important role in shaping her story.
Kaira’s days were busy, but fulfilling. She worked as a product developer during the day, and in her spare time, she ran a small business making handmade crafts with her mother.
Amidst COVID, the business was a great escape from the dull days. It has been running great even after the pandemic. Kaira admits that it can be challenging at times to juggle the demands of work and running a business.
Long-distance relationships are indeed challenging, but they can also bring you closer to those who are afraid of losing you. Kaira had been in such a relationship for the past 4 years, and it had its ups and downs.
Though the physical distance between them was often difficult, it also made their bond stronger as they had to make an effort to stay connected. They had learned to appreciate each other’s presence, even if it was only virtual.
Kaira’s boyfriend had moved to the United States for work, leaving her behind. Even from afar, he had been her rock, supporting her through the good and bad. But she felt guilty for always unloading her problems on him, worried that she was putting too much pressure on him.
Despite the distance, she wanted to make sure that he knew how much she valued his presence in her life, even if it was just through a phone call or video chat.
“I have been taking counseling since I was in school. I had anxiety and panic attacks.”
Kaira went under immense stress when her mother was hospitalised as she suffered from lung hydrolysis. She did not do well with the whole process and her friends came to her rescue.
“Since I had moved to Gurugram, friends couldn’t be there for me so they called me back. They encouraged me to take up counseling again.”
“I knew I needed help, my friends encouraged me and that’s when I decided to get counseling from the experts.”
Kaira felt blessed that her college had tied up with YourDOST to provide mental health support to those who needed it.
Kaira connected with Ms Nithya Natraj to discuss the thoughts that troubled her. She began with baby steps which helped her unravel her emotions.
“Nithya was a good listener. She remembered every small detail despite the gap between the sessions. It gave much more confidence and helped build trust.”
Nithya knew that there were some practical things that Kaira could do to reduce the risk of self-harm, so she recommended she put all harmful objects out of reach and replace them with safe and creative outlets, like painting and colouring. She also suggested she should go for a walk when she felt the urge to self-harm, as a way to distract herself and channel her energy into something positive.
With these simple yet powerful techniques, Nithya hoped to help her overcome the emotional storms and find peace. Kaira recalls how she had her way of distracting herself. She wore a thin rubber band around her wrist only to pluck it to snap out of the thought of self-harming.
Kaira was consistent in following the recommended techniques and could see the difference. She felt the change within her and embraced it to the fullest. She could juggle her work and the business swiftly now.
“I became assertive and began to take a stand for myself. I also learned to say no. My place was the go-to place for parties and stuff. I began to say no to such events and learned to handle the situation better.”
Kaira felt positive towards her approach to life and things began to take shape. She rates herself a 4 out of 5 in terms of getting better. She believes that we keep evolving each day and that transformation never stops.
Kaira’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Nothing is permanent, it doesn’t last forever. If things are good it may get better or worse but the cycle would continue.”
2.“Just know that you can’t keep everyone happy all the time. Always prioritise yourself, and your emotions first.”
3.“Somedays you need your people around for comfort but sometimes all you need is yourself.”
