“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.”
Dealing and wading through life’s challenges often requires us to take that initial, seemingly insignificant step towards change. Whether it’s overcoming heartbreak, battling loneliness, or confronting deep-seated fears, it’s this small act of courage, that sets us on the path to healing.
Just as a single spark can ignite a fire, that first step towards seeking help can lead to profound transformations, illuminating even the darkest corners of our lives. This journey is about finding strength in vulnerability and discovering hope where despair once lingered.
Growing up in Tamil Nadu, attending school and spending his formative years, Sudeesh (name changed) eventually pursued his engineering studies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee after years of hard work and dedication.
Like many of his peers, Sudheesh’s journey through college was unique, marked by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. After spending only two years on campus, the remaining two years of his education were conducted online, adding to the sense of isolation he felt.
“In my school days, I was an avid sports enthusiast, participating in cricket and other activities. However, an injury shifted my focus more towards his studies and eventually, I lost touch.”
Despite his shift in focus, his zest for life didn’t diminish. He enjoyed watching series and playing badminton, but his time at IIT Roorkee presented unforeseen emotional challenges.
The transition from a pampered life to the more autonomous and demanding hostel life at IIT Roorkee was a significant shock for Sudheesh. The initial excitement of being in a new environment quickly turned into a feeling of loneliness, especially when the pandemic hit and physical interactions became limited.
“The first 1.5 years went by during COVID, and I didn’t have much to do. I felt alone and had nobody to talk to.”
Amidst these emotional changes, a beacon of hope appeared in the form of YourDOST mental health and wellness platform, promoted within the IIT Roorkee campus.
Posters about YourDOST in the hostel caught Sudheesh’s attention. As his feelings of loneliness became unbearable, he decided to reach out to a counsellor through the platform.
This decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey with his counsellor, Swati Lakshmi. Sudheesh, being a reserved individual, found it challenging to open up to others, including his parents.
“I’m a reserved person, so I don’t talk to everyone. Even to parents, I’m not so open, so opening up to my counsellor was a bit overwhelming. My struggle with social interactions especially with girls was an added factor.”
From their very first session, Swati Lakshmi made a profound impact on Sudheesh. Her empathetic approach and genuine understanding of his problems created a safe space for him to express himself.
“She understood me better than anybody else, and it helped me improve in a much better way.”
The primary reason Sudheesh sought therapy was his struggle with loneliness and the overwhelming change from his previous life to the hostel life at IIT Roorkee. He often found himself overthinking and losing sleep over trivial matters.
Swati introduced him to various techniques to manage his thoughts and emotions better.
“She tried to understand why things were happening and worked on the root of the problem. More than any activity, talking to her about my plans and schedules made me feel stabilized and get clarity.”
Through consistent sessions with Swati, Sudheesh began to notice positive changes in his life. He no longer felt trapped in his cycle of overthinking and self-doubt. Swati’s guidance helped him break free from his negative thought patterns and build a more hopeful and positive outlook on life.
“I didn’t want to remain in that situation, and she helped me get out of it even when it was hard for me to change. She helped me identify my shortcomings and break the cycle of mistakes.”
Sudheesh’s gratitude towards Swati is immense. Over a year, he had around 40-50 sessions with her, each one contributing to his healing and growth.
“I didn’t realize the number of sessions, but that makes her the best. I’m just thankful for her presence in my life.”
He rates his improvement at 4 out of 5, equating improvement to gaining hope in life. Sudheesh’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of therapy. His journey from feeling isolated and overwhelmed to finding clarity and strength underscores the importance of seeking help when needed.
We at YourDOST are proud to be a part of Sudheesh’s journey and wish him continued growth and success in the future!
Sudheesh’s Warrior Tips:
1.“If someone is coming from a space similar to mine, talking to a person, especially a professional, would benefit them.”
2.“Getting a third person’s view on an idea will always give you more clarity on things.”
