“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'” – Mary Anne Radmacher.
Adjusting to a new environment can feel like navigating the Upside Down in Stranger Things, where everything familiar is turned on its head and finding a way out seems impossible. It can also be as isolating as Frodo’s journey to Mordor, where the weight of the world feels like it rests solely on your shoulders, with each step forward feeling heavier than the last.
For Nilesh (name changed), a 25-year-old from Tamil Nadu, his story of struggle and growth was no different.
Nilesh recently completed his MTech from the prestigious IIT Madras and is now working in his field of expertise. Growing up in a close-knit family, he shares a special bond with his parents and elder brother.
“My relationship with my family is great, and I am fortunate enough to have them.” Nilesh shares, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering support.
Apart from his academic pursuits, Nilesh finds solace in reading books, listening to music and watching shows which offer him an escape from his chaotic reality.
During his time at IIT Madras, Nilesh came across an email from the student platform about YourDOST, a mental health service partnered with the institute.
This timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as Nilesh was navigating one of the most challenging phases of his life. The cultural shift at IIT Madras was overwhelming, and it took him a while to adjust. He felt lonely and like an outsider, as everyone seemed preoccupied with their own lives.
This isolation began to affect his studies and self-esteem, making him feel insecure and uncomfortable on campus.
“I thought these things were too silly to discuss, but my counsellor helped me come out of those notions. She helped me learn how to improve myself.”
The societal stigma surrounding therapy made Nilesh hesitant to seek help initially. He booked and cancelled multiple appointments, too scared to commit.
“On the first day of therapy I was so scared that I had sweat on my hands.”
However, his counsellor, Ms Rashmeet Kaur, made a lasting impression from their very first session. With her non-judgmental approach, she created a safe space for him to express his feelings and fears.
“Eventually, I felt so good. I felt different. She made me look differently at situations and I started getting better gradually.”
For the past year, Rashmeet has been a pillar of support for Nilesh, guiding him through his struggles and helping him see situations from a new perspective. Her validation and encouragement gave him the strength to face his challenges head-on.
“The culture at IIT Madras was different, and it took me a while to adjust. I felt lonely and like an outsider. Everybody was into their things, and I couldn’t find anyone to speak to. It started affecting my studies and self-esteem. I felt insecure and uncomfortable on campus.”
Initially, Nilesh believed his concerns were too trivial to discuss in therapy. However, Rashmeet helped him understand that his feelings were valid and worth addressing. Through their sessions, Nilesh learned to manage his emotions better and started to see positive changes in his life.
“I tried being more non-judgmental and succeeded in it. I was too caught up in things, but eventually, the judgments started vanishing from my mind.”
Therapy helped him overcome his unhealthy competitive mindset and recognize his worth. He began to understand that good things take time, a realization that proved true when he secured a great job after college.
Rashmeet introduced Nilesh to various techniques and activities that contributed to his growth. Journaling became an essential tool for him to cope with his low moments and overwhelming emotions.
“Initially, I was lethargic and didn’t want to do it, but her non-judgmental ways changed me from within.”
Writing down things he was grateful for and practising breathing techniques helped him manage his overthinking and anxiety.
Nilesh’s gratitude towards Rashmeet is profound.
“I am short of words and feel emotional when I talk about her. She was that good. I am eternally grateful for her and her presence in my life that helped me reach where I am today.”
Reflecting on his journey, Nilesh rates his improvement as 4 out of 5. For him, improvement means feeling better every day and finding strength in his progress. His experience reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward. With the right support and mindset, it’s possible to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
We at YourDOST are proud to be a part of Nilesh’s journey and wish him continued growth and success in the future!
Nilesh’s Warrior Tips:
1.“It’s completely alright to seek help; people will judge no matter what, so it’s better to get it over with.”
2.“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength.”
3.“Things will get better with time; just have hope.”
