In the hustle of life, balancing academic pressures and personal well-being often becomes a daunting task. The transition from a familiar, supportive environment to the demands of higher education can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Yet, finding the right support and techniques can lead to immense self-discovery and emotional resilience. This story explores the transformative journey of embracing self-awareness, learning to cope with stress, and finding happiness from within.
Meet Aishna, a 25-year-old MBA (HR) graduate who lives in a close-knit joint family. Being a small-town girl, Aishna moved to Delhi to pursue her postgraduate degree.
Growing up, she enjoyed a happy childhood and shared a strong bond with her parents.
“I lived in a joint family and loved the bond we shared. They are my support and strength, and I felt safe and secure amongst them.”
In her free moments, Aishna enjoys doodling, walking, sleeping, watching reels, dancing, binge-watching, and nonstop gossiping with my mom. These hobbies provide her with a sense of relaxation and creativity, offering a brief respite from the daily grind of life.
The demanding academic schedule and stress from her studies led Aishna to seek therapy. The pressure to excel in her MBA program was immense, and the constant juggling of assignments, projects, and exams took a toll on her mental health.
She discovered the YourDOST mental health platform, through her institute, which had partnered with the organization to support student’s mental well-being. This partnership was a beacon of hope for many students, including Aishna, who needed guidance and support.
“Here, I met Ms Kousalya, who became my counsellor and guide through this challenging period. The initial decision to seek help was daunting, but I knew it was necessary for my well-being. Speaking with her felt comforting as she would always start the call with basic details and gradually get to the actualities.”
The therapeutic relationship provided her with a safe space to express herself and work through her emotions. Ms. Kousalya’s empathetic and understanding nature made Aishna feel heard and valued. The sessions often allowed her to ease into discussing deeper, more personal issues. This approach helped build trust and rapport, making it easier for Aishna to open up about her struggles.
“I joined college and quickly formed a close bond with new people. We did everything together, from studying, to attending classes and exploring Delhi. This friendship became a significant part of my life as it provided companionship and support.”
However, one of her friends soon entered into a relationship and began sidelining Aishna. The sudden shift left Aishna feeling abandoned and triggered several panic attacks.
“I suffered a few panic attacks just trying to speak to them if I needed somebody to listen to me or be available for a rant.”
The emotional toll was significant, and her therapy sessions often revolved around the pain of losing this friendship and the memories that consumed her thoughts. The sense of betrayal and loneliness was overwhelming, affecting her focus and performance in her studies.
Ms. Kousalya employed various techniques to help Aishna manage her emotions. These included breathing exercises, and providing reading materials and videos for additional support.
“My counselor let me burst out and cry, and she would just listen to me crying. This non-judgmental space allowed me to release pent-up emotions and gradually process feelings.”
The breathing exercises helped her manage anxiety and panic attacks, while the reading materials and videos offered new perspectives and coping strategies. Each session with Ms Kousalya was a step towards healing, with Aishna gradually learning to understand and control her emotions better.
“Through consistent therapy, I began to see positive changes in her outlook. I always thought my happiness depended on other people and would revolve around them. Post-therapy, I took more control of my happiness and decided to find better people and also started becoming self-aware.”
Therapy empowered Aishna to reclaim her sense of self and build healthier relationships. She learned to set boundaries and prioritize her own well-being, which significantly improved her mental health. The realization that her happiness was in her own hands was liberating, allowing her to pursue new friendships and interests without fear of abandonment.
“Speaking to her helped me realize myself better and also know that I have a non-judgmental and confidential space to share my thoughts. I have no words to express my gratitude towards Ms Kousalya.”
Knowing that she had a safe space to express her feelings without fear of judgment gave Aishna the confidence to confront her issues head-on. She felt understood and supported, which was crucial in her recovery process. Despite the emotional turmoil and stress, she has emerged stronger and more self-aware as she rates herself a solid 4 out of 5 in terms of feeling better.
We at YourDOST are proud to be a part of Aishna’s journey and wish her continued success and happiness in her future endeavours.
Aishna’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Opening up about one’s struggles, whether to a friend, family member, or counsellor, can be incredibly therapeutic.”
2.“It is not necessary to find a therapist, as all that matters is to understand the importance of sharing.”
