“Grief, like a cloud, may shadow your days, but remember, even the darkest clouds eventually give way to the sun.” – Unknown
The tumult of loss and anxiety can feel as overwhelming as the relentless storm in The Perfect Storm, where the waves of emotions seem insurmountable. It can also feel akin to Elizabeth Bennet’s struggle in Pride and Prejudice, navigating societal pressures while striving to stay true to oneself. Amid such chaos, finding a path to healing often requires reaching out for support and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
For Shikha (name changed), a 30-year-old PhD scholar at IIT BHU from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, her own story of loss and struggle was no different.
Shikha recently completed her M.Tech at IIT Roorkee and is now a scholar at IIT BHU. Growing up in a close-knit family, she shared a special bond with her mother and younger brother.
“My strongest connection was with my mother, who was my pillar of support. She was my everything and I would call her 50 times a day even for the slightest inconvenience. After her passing last January, I felt an immense void that I couldn’t accept.”
Shikha also cherished her brother, who, like their mother, had been a constant source of support.
Even as Shikha navigated her academic path toward success, she encountered several significant obstacles that became stumbling blocks along the way.
During her time at IIT Roorkee, Shikha came across an email about YourDOST, the college’s official mental health partner. This discovery came at a critical time, as she was struggling with the immense pain of losing her mother and dealing with forceful marriage pressures and a deteriorating friendship.
“My childhood friend, who was also my roommate, suddenly grew distant after getting into a relationship. Our conflicts started growing which led to anxiety and sleeplessness for me.”
These personal challenges, coupled with the family issues, left her feeling overwhelmed and hyper-reactive. Shikha decided to seek therapy through YourDOST, and her counsellor, Dr Seema, made an immediate impact from their very first session.
“I felt very light from the start. I started crying and let out my emotions, which made me feel relieved.”
The primary reasons for Shikha seeking therapy were family issues and her strained friendship. She was also facing discrimination in her PhD program, which accelerated her anxiety and anger issues.
“I saw my mother being mistreated at home and feared the same for myself and my friend. It all became too much to bear, and I wanted to change myself.”
Through her sessions with Dr. Seema, Shikha began to understand and manage her emotions better.
She was introduced to several techniques and activities that significantly helped her.
“Dr Seema asked me to name each of my emotions when I felt uneasy or angry. I had to journal my thoughts and counter thoughts, which helped me gain clarity.”
One of the most effective techniques for Shikha was the 54321 grounding technique, which helped her manage panic attacks triggered by the sound of ambulances, a painful reminder of her mother’s untimely demise. She also practised meditation and learned to set boundaries and communicate her feelings with clarity.
“I still get panic attacks, but the 54321 grounding technique helps bring me back to the present moment. Meditation has also been a great help.”
These sessions provided her with valuable coping mechanisms, enabling her to handle stressful situations with greater composure.
Shikha started noticing positive changes in her life. She could control her emotions better and had fewer outbursts. Despite enduring issues with her PhD guide, she managed to regulate her emotions and respond calmly, a significant improvement from her previous reactions.
Grateful for Dr. Seema’s unwavering support, Shikha expresses her gratitude towards her.
“She is the best counsellor I have seen. She made me feel heard and understood, and her solutions were tailored to my needs. I have even recommended her to my friends.”
Reflecting on her progress, Shikha rates her improvement as 4 out of 5 and sees self-improvement as the most significant outcome.
Shikha’s story is a ray of hope for anyone facing similar challenges. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, seeking help and working on ourselves can lead to a path of healing and growth. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and the importance of reaching out for support when life’s challenges seem difficult.
We at YourDOST are proud to be part of Shikha’s journey and wish her continued growth and success in the future!
Shikha’s Warrior Tips:
1.“A lot of people are lonely in today’s time and may become depressed because of it. It’s essential to find someone you can trust and talk to.”
2.“Social media gives all sorts of fake tips that should not be followed randomly. Seek professional help and work on yourself in unique ways.”
