Siva is a 34-year-old faculty member hailing from Chennai, with a fervent passion for movies, cooking, and badminton. As the sole child of his parents, Siva pursued engineering driven by his unyielding determination to carve his path in academia.
However, amidst his academic pursuits, he found himself grappling with mounting pressures, uncertain about his future and financial stability, ultimately succumbing to anxiety and losing touch with his true self.
Amidst the throes of his academic journey, Siva’s fourth year proved to be particularly burdensome, as he struggled with the weight of choosing between pursuing academic or industry-related research.
The internal conflict led him to withdraw into himself, transforming into an introverted, apprehensive version of his former self. The accumulation of stifling doubts and anxieties clouded his perception, rendering everything around him seemingly insurmountable.
Faced with this overwhelming turmoil, Siva turned to his support system, seeking solace and guidance. It was during this pivotal period that he sought counseling.
Siva’s college IIT Madras had an official partnership with YourDOST as their mental health partner.
“I decided to book my first session with my counselor, and I am glad that I did it as it was a true awakening for my inner self.”
On recognizing the need for professional intervention to navigate the labyrinth of confusion and uncertainty that loomed ahead, exacerbated by the disruptive impact of the global pandemic.
Furthermore, the weight of familial expectations and the pressure of impending responsibilities cast a shadow on his already burdened mind, igniting inner discord and strife.
“Moving out of my comfort zone took me some time, in fact, I am still learning it, and it surely takes time. It did for me too.”
In a courageous effort to assert his individuality and convey his aspirations, Siva initiated heartfelt conversations with his family, enduring silent treatments and conflicts to convey the depth of his thoughts and ambitions.
His determination to carve his path was further exemplified by his relocation to North India for a new job opportunity, symbolizing a brave departure from his comfort zone.
This transition impelled Siva to explore life beyond the confines of his past, fostering newfound connections with himself and others indulging in invigorating activities such as trekking, an opportunity that eluded him during his student days.
“Being able to mingle with others helped me connect with myself better and I am in a better place now mentally and physically.”
Through the unwavering support and guidance of his counselor, Ms. Akhila Theresa, Siva embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Empowered by Ms. Theresa’s solution-oriented approach, Siva delved into mindfulness practices, meditation, reading, and sketch coloring, harnessing these techniques to navigate the challenges of his professional and personal spheres.
His counselor’s mentorship extended beyond emotional support, encompassing practical guidance for job preparation, time management, and interview proficiency, equipping Siva with essential skills to thrive in his new environment.
The journey of self-improvement kindled within Siva profound positive changes, engendering an acceptance of change, an optimistic outlook, and a resolute demeanor.
Confronting the spectre of overthinking and chronic stress, Siva diligently engaged with his counselor to cultivate strategies for distraction and deviation from distressing thoughts. Through reasoned discourse and practical rationale, he transcended the shackles of parental stress, liberating himself to embrace life on his terms.
Quantifying his progress, Siva resonates at a 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 in terms of post-therapy well-being, signifying a substantial advancement from the depths of his predicament.
His narrative stands as a testament to unwavering resilience, fortitude, and the transformative power of seeking support, advocating for the vital role of mental health resources in nurturing personal growth and overcoming adversities.
Siva’s journey embodies the ethos of resilience and the invaluable impact of tailored support in unlocking human potential, offering a poignant testimony of triumph in the face of adversity. As a mental health organization, this narrative underscores the efficacy of holistic intervention and the profound influence of tailored guidance on individual empowerment and holistic well-being, resonating deeply with the ethos of our organization.
Through this inspiring narrative, we are reminded of the profound resilience inherent within every individual and the transformative potential of empathetic support in fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.
Siva’s Warrior Tips:
1.”Your emotions may feel heavy at the moment but are not always the reality. We create our problems because of how we let our emotions conquer us.”
2.”Therapy helps you manage yourself better with your everyday life, it helps you understand where you spend your energy the most.”
