“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Amidst the chaos and noise of life, mental struggles often go unnoticed, tucked away in the corners of our minds. Yet, like a stone of hope emerging from a mountain of despair, the journey toward healing and clarity is both possible and transformative. With the right support and guidance, even the darkest moments can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.
Meet Sheebu Tiwari, an 18-year-old from Delhi, currently living in Punjab for his studies in Computer Science Engineering at Lovely Professional University (LPU).
Sheebu has a small family consisting of his mother and his younger brother. Sheebu’s childhood was unique and filled with contrasting experiences. While his mother resided in Delhi, Sheebu spent his early years in Uttar Pradesh with his maternal grandparents.
“These years I lived in the warmth and care of my grandparents, who offered me a sense of stability and love. It wasn’t until after 9th grade that I moved to Delhi to live with my mother, where I completed my schooling.”
After finishing 12th grade, Sheebu appeared for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), a critical test for engineering aspirants in India. Although he didn’t perform as well as he hoped, he secured admission to LPU, a reputable institution, setting the stage for his new academic journey.
“My hobbies include listening to music and reading books. I am currently engrossed in “Atomic Habits,” a book that underscores the power of small habits in achieving remarkable results.”
Despite his intellectual pursuits and promising future, Sheebu faced significant challenges during his early college years.
Sheebu failed a paper in his second trimester, a setback that deeply affected him. The stress of reappearing for exams weighed heavily on him. Additionally, the burden of an educational loan added to his anxiety and he was concerned about the financial constraints of his family as well.
Confidence issues plagued him, particularly as he prepared for seminars and public presentations, and couldn’t perform well in public speaking activities. Anger issues also surfaced in his personality, making it difficult for him to manage his emotions effectively.
Fortunately, LPU collaborates with YourDOST the mental health platform, as their official mental health partner that introduced Sheebu to therapy.
Here he met his counsellor, Shiwangi Nagar, who played a pivotal role in his journey. Shivangi’s empathetic and non-judgmental demeanour made a strong first impression on Sheebu. She was a good listener and provided a safe space for him to express his concerns.
“She was a great listener and as I was undergoing the stress of reappearing for exams, she held my hand throughout the difficult phase, which helped me get through the exam stress.”
With Shiwangi’s guidance, Sheebu began to understand that he had multiple opportunities to reappear for the exam, reducing the immediate pressure he felt. Her reassurance and support gave him the courage to face his academic challenges head-on.
Shiwangi introduced Sheebu to several techniques that helped him manage his stress and build his confidence. Slow counting and box breathing exercises became essential tools for calming his mind.
Meditation and yoga helped him find inner peace, while listening to calming music provided a soothing escape from his worries. For public speaking, deep breathing exercises became a crucial part of his preparation routine.
“When I started doing deep breathing exercises before going for presentations, I realized that my fear was slowly vanishing and I could perform well. Earlier I was scoring average marks in presentation skills, but now I have started scoring well which has helped in increasing my confidence levels significantly.”
The positive changes in Sheebu’s life were profound. His ability to regulate his emotions improved, and his procrastination levels decreased. He also began to view challenges more objectively and react less impulsively. His changes started reflected in his studies too as his academic performance improved, and he started to feel more in control of his life.
“I am eternally grateful to Ms Shiwangi because she is the reason I am continuing my B.Tech studies. Without her, I would have not reached where I am today. Thank you for everything that you have done for me.”
Sheebu’s journey is a testament to the power of seeking help and the impact of therapy. He rates himself a 5 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, emphasizing the improvement in his emotions and overall well-being.
Sheebu’s story highlights the significance of mental health support and the positive impact therapy can have on one’s life and we at YourDOST are proud to be a part of Sheebu’s journey. We wish him continued growth and success in the future!
Sheebu’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Don’t let your negative emotions get the best of you.”
2.“Always seek help whenever you feel like it.”
3.“Emotions are bound to come and go, so let yourself feel everything and seek help.”
