“Sadness flies away on the wings of time”- Jean De La Fontaine
Heartbreak can feel as dramatic and world-shattering as the tumultuous relationship between Ross and Rachel on Friends, with its endless cycles of hope and despair. It can also feel as isolating as Eleven’s escape from the lab in Stranger Things, where the struggle to find connection and safety in a world that feels harsh and unwelcoming becomes a daily battle.
For Imran (name changed), a 22-year-old from Kottayam, Kerala, his own story of love and loss was no different.
Imran recently completed his B.Tech from the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT Calicut)
Calicut. Growing up in a close-knit family, he shares a special bond with his father, mother, younger brother, and grandmother.
“My strongest connections are with my mother and brother, who have always been my pillars of support.”
Even when Imran made his way through life towards success, he encountered several situations that became obstacles in his path.
During his time at NIT Calicut, Imran stumbled upon an email from the student platform about YourDOST subscribed to by the college as their official mental health partner.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as Imran was going through one of the toughest phases of his life, a heart-wrenching breakup. For someone who found it difficult to trust people, this relationship had been a rare exception.
“I had opened up and been my true self, but when it ended, I felt isolated and shattered. Despite having a wide circle of friends, there was no one I could truly confide in. The void left by my ex-girlfriend was too deep, and I struggled to navigate his emotions alone. That’s when I decided to try therapy and reached out to YourDOST.”
Imran’s counsellor, Anita Eliza, made a lasting impression from their very first session. She focused intently on his problems and offered the validation he desperately needed.
“Anita was extremely helpful and encouraged me to take further sessions. Imran recalls. She provided a safe space for me to express his feelings without judgment and I felt valued and heard.”
The primary reason for Imran seeking therapy was his recent breakup. He found himself at a crossroads, struggling to move forward. Though he knew what he needed to do, he sought validation and guidance, which Anita provided.
“I needed to move forward no matter what without falling back.”
Initially, Imran blamed himself for the breakup. Even though his ex-girlfriend had admitted that it wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t help but shoulder the blame.
“I wanted to think that I had the control, so I wanted to be the reason for the separation.”
Through his sessions with Anita, he began to realise that he couldn’t control everything and that the breakup wasn’t entirely his fault. This realisation was a significant turning point for him.
For a month after the breakup, Imran maintained a calm exterior, ensuring it didn’t affect his
studies. However, internally, he was in turmoil. He found it difficult to express his emotions, especially since he wasn’t close to anyone else.
“Anita introduced me to several techniques to help manage my emotions better. I learned to understand and analyse my thoughts more objectively through thought observation exercises. These sessions also included breathing exercises, which helped me calm down and focus.”
Imran started noticing positive changes in his life. Things that made him sad earlier didn’t affect him anymore. He began to feel happier and more content, with a significant reduction in his overthinking tendencies.
Grateful for Anita’s unwavering support, Imran expresses, “She was very helpful, I couldn’t ask for more. Through her guidance, I found a new perspective on my situation and learned valuable coping mechanisms.”
Imran’s story is a testament to the transformative power of therapy. His journey from feeling isolated and overwhelmed to finding clarity and strength highlights the importance of seeking help when needed.
Reflecting on his progress, Imran rates his improvement as 4 out of 5 and envisions improvement as feelings of happiness and contentment, with less tendency to overthink. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with similar issues, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward.
We at YourDOST are proud to be a part of Imran’s journey and wish him continued growth and success in the future!
Imran’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Always have hope that it will get better.”
2.“Put the effort into yourself and you’ll see the improvement very soon.”
