At 21, navigating the challenges of an Engineering degree at the esteemed Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Chennai is our resilient warrior Shalini.
Shalini said she would mostly find herself grappling with the echoes of a tough childhood. The scars of being bullied and disrespected by friends during her childhood had left deep marks on her self-esteem and perception.
Despite the bustling life of an engineering student, the longing for the presence of her working parents and the bond with her younger sister was what she would actively look out for at the end of the day.
“Cooking alongside my mum, embracing the cleanliness and order at home, long drives, and drawing and painting were my escape mechanisms.”
Her college had a subscription with YourDOST as their official mental health partner. It was around this time Shalini decided come seek counseling to repair her childhood trauma and turn over a new leaf in her life.
“Meeting her felt different, I recall, the warmth in her approach, her patient, solution-oriented nature, and the safe space she offered, allowing me to express my pent-up feelings without fear.”
Shalini describes that her counseling journey wasn’t something she expected. Hospitalisation in childhood had left its mark on her skin, and the humiliation from her classmate about her appearance planted seeds of insecurity that grew within her.
Relationships felt like a constant effort, where she often found herself being used for others’ needs, realising the painful truth about her place in others’ lives put her in an uncertain place all the time making her feel restless and hostile.
“My high school was my haven, I had a best friend who understood me and we shared a good bond and we still do.”
Shalini described that post-school binge eating and weight gain brought on body shaming from relatives, further denting her self-image. Body image issues are widely noted in several parts of the country and when you experience it from people you identify as family can be heart-breaking. Shalini also had a similar feeling and she did not necessarily feel comfortable when people spoke about her body.
“I found friendship and formed a small, close-knit group until a dysfunctional relationship within it surfaced.”
Shalini expressed how her circle was slowly becoming lucid and everything started taking a toll on her mental health.
“The long-distance relationship I cherished became another source of emotional turmoil. It was my birthday night, and things did not go as planned.”
She spoke of how this made her feel supremely uncomfortable and uninvited and she tried letting her partner, but he could not read through her signs. There were constant fights and instances when she started noticing that his friends would belittle her and encourage him to break up.
“Aakriti introduced me to journaling, a practice that became my lifeline. This saved my life, I would often be, amazed at how putting thoughts to paper could bring such clarity and peace. Therapy rejuvenated my energy, and made me more socially available, and I relished this newfound vibrancy in my life.”
Reflecting on her journey, she realized the importance of being her self-companion and a best friend. Providing a safe space for herself, as Aakriti did, helped her navigate the complexities of her emotions and relationships with calm and composure.
She also expressed that the counseling sessions were more than just a means to heal; they were a transformative experience that taught her the value of self-reflection, resilience, and the power of empathy.
“Ms. Aakriti’s guidance not only helped me understand my past but also equipped me with the tools to face the future with confidence.”
Counseling can be a powerful ally in our journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, helping us find our footing in a world that often feels overwhelming.
The lessons she learned about self-love, acceptance, and the courage to open up again have been invaluable. As she continues on her journey she carries with her the insights and strengths gained from her counseling experience, ready to face the world with a renewed sense of purpose and self-belief.
Shalini rates herself a 5/5 in terms of feeling better after her therapy sessions and we are equally happy for her and an optimistic future.
Shalini’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Mental health is still a taboo in many places. The stereotype is more in remote areas and as people we must learn to put it away and go seek help when needed.”
2.“Change begins when we accept help. Let yourself embrace a better you by being the change you want to be”
