“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen.
Heartache, stress, and self-doubt can feel as consuming and overwhelming as Jon Snow’s battle for Winterfell in Game of Thrones, where every move seems fraught with danger and the weight of the world rests on one’s shoulders.
For Rahul (name changed), a 25-year-old engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, his struggle with anxiety and self-worth during the COVID-19 lockdown felt equally relentless and suffocating.
Rahul hails from Ranchi and is currently preparing for a highly competitive exam.
“My life has been a messy combination of triumphs and trials, complete with the sweet and sour streaks of my relationships with family.”
Despite a close-knit family, his journey through the lockdown was marred by feelings of isolation and mounting pressure.
A passionate reader of non-fiction and an avid sports enthusiast, Rahul found solace in his hobbies. However, with time, the confinement of the lockdown stirred a storm of anxiety within him.
Rahul learned about YourDOST through his college as they collaborated with the organisation as their official mental health partner, and this connection would become a lifeline in his darkest hours.
“During the COVID-19 lockdown, the walls of my home, which once felt secure, began closing in on me. The uncertainty about my future and career ignited a fire of anxiety that burned brightly through my days and nights.”
As the weeks turned into months, feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy took root, casting long shadows over his aspirations.
The tipping point came when Rahul flunked a crucial exam. Despite his relentless hard work, the results were an unexpected and devastating blow. The failure felt like a betrayal to his family and girlfriend, who had pinned their hopes on his success.
“The weight of their expectations bore down on me, and I spiralled into a pit of despair, haunted by thoughts of hopelessness and suicidal tendencies.”
In this dire state, Rahul reached out to YourDOST and was connected with Sakshi Bohra, a counsellor whose warmth and patience made an immediate impact. From their first session, Sakshi’s welcoming demeanour and attentive listening provided Rahul with a safe space to unburden his heart.
“I didn’t realise how quickly time flew by when I talked to her.”
Rahul opened up about the crushing sense of failure and worthlessness that consumed him. Sakshi’s approach was both compassionate and pragmatic. She understood the gravity of Rahul’s feelings and began guiding him towards a path of healing and self-discovery.
One of the first techniques Sakshi introduced in the therapy sessions was journaling.
“By putting pen to paper, I began to channel my tumultuous thoughts and emotions, gaining clarity and insight into my mental state. This practice became a mirror reflecting the patterns of my thoughts, helping me navigate the emotional turbulence of my mind.”
Months of isolation had eroded Rahul’s confidence and heightened his anxiety. Sakshi encouraged him to step out of his room and reconnect with the world. Small steps, like talking to friends and engaging in social activities, slowly helped Rahul lower his anxiety levels and rebuild his confidence.
As Rahul began to show signs of improvement, Sakshi introduced meditation exercises to his routine. These practices helped him cultivate mindfulness, allowing him to find moments of peace amidst the chaos of his thoughts.
“The meditative exercises became a sanctuary where I could retreat and gather my strength.”
The transformation in Rahul’s life was profound. The self-doubt that once gnawed at his spirit began to wane. He found a renewed belief in his abilities and started waking up each morning with a glimmer of hope. His anxiety levels decreased, and the confidence that had eluded him for so long started to return.
Reflecting on his journey, Rahul expresses deep gratitude for Sakshi’s unwavering support.
“It was a dark time, and I couldn’t have moved forward without her. I am eternally grateful for having her in my life. I can’t thank her enough for being there for me.”
Rahul rates his improvement as 4 out of 5, viewing progress as waking up each day with the hope that it will be better than the last. His story is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward.
Rahul’s journey from despair to hope underscores the transformative power of therapy. His experience with YourDOST illustrates how seeking help can illuminate the path through the darkest tunnels of our lives.
At YourDOST, we are honoured to be part of Rahul’s journey and wish him continued growth and success in his future endeavours!
Palak’s Warrior Tips:
1.“This too shall pass. It’s a cliché, but the importance of the line doesn’t diminish with time.”
2.“At the end of the night, there’s always a ray of sunlight that tears its way through the darkness.”
