“Sometimes the best way to move forward is to stop holding on to what holds you back.”- Unknown.
There may come times in life when the most trusted people, and people who we thought would be our supporting hands, suddenly disappear and we are left to fend for ourselves.
Meet Hiteshree, a 33-year-old Governance & Compliance professional at Ashv Finance, who has always been a vibrant individual from Vasai, Mumbai.
Even though she lost her parents early on, her life followed a harmonious path, filled with loving family bonds and supportive friends.
“I had a very loving and cordial relationship with my family members and that helped me move forward in life.”
With a passion for badminton and socializing, she lived an active life, always surrounded by positivity. However, life threw her a curveball that she never anticipated.
Hiteshree’s first encounter with YourDOST came through her workplace, as they had a partnership as the official mental health partner. She was intrigued and in need of help, hence she decided to give it a try. Her counsellor, Ms Ayushi Dixit, made an immediate positive impression on her.
“From the moment we spoke, I never felt like I was talking to a stranger. It was very comfortable to open up to her and this connection was the first step towards my healing journey.”
The primary reason for seeking counselling was a painful separation by divorce. The divorce was not her decision, nor did she desire it. Yet, it happened, leaving her to navigate the aftermath alone.
“The separation was accelerated due to ego, incompatibility, and misunderstandings, however, people around me were judgmental, and I wanted to talk to someone freely.”
The emotional toll of the separation was profound and she felt lonely due to the absence of her parents in these dire times. This unexpected blow left Hiteshree feeling mentally and physically numb and she began experiencing sleeplessness, something she never had to endure before in her life.
“The arranged marriage had ended, but the harsh reality of being a divorcee was something I struggled to accept. I found it extremely difficult to open up to anyone due to the fear of judgment and constant fights.”
Ayushi suggested opening up as a therapeutic technique, urging Hiteshree to analyze her relationship with her ex-partner. This introspection was challenging yet essential for her healing. She also encouraged Hiteshree to distract herself by engaging in activities she enjoyed.
“Talking about my concerns and sharing opinions helped me figure out things in a much easier way. My counselor engaged in interactive sessions with me which helped me feel comfortable about talking about my issues.”
The positive changes soon began to manifest themselves and reappear in Hiteshree’s life.
“Once I spoke to her, I started sleeping better. I felt good after talking to someone as I felt calm, and my anxiety went down.”
The bright side of this tumultuous journey of life was that Hiteshree emerged stronger, more resilient, and ready to face the world whatever comes her way. Although societal taboos and blame for the divorce still lingered, she chose to move forward from her past.
“I just want to thank Ms Ayushi from the bottom of my heart for helping me out of a situation I could never have come out of myself. I can’t express my gratitude in words and I just wish the best for her.”
Hiteshree rates herself 3.5 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, a stepping stone towards the journey of healing. She believes that improvement is not just about getting better but also maintaining consistent feelings of betterment.
We at YourDOST are confident that Hiteshree is well on her way to reaching a perfect 5 and wish her all the success in her future endeavours!
Hiteshree’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Have faith in your abilities and stay engaged with activities that bring you joy.”
2.“Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it. The right support can make a world of difference in overcoming difficult situations.”
