Just like a seed that pushes through the soil to become a strong tree, life often requires us to struggle through difficult times to grow and flourish. It’s during these tough moments that we find our true strength and discover new ways to overcome challenges to emerge stronger than before.
The protagonist of the story, Manali, is a 24-year-old who works as a trainee in Mumbai.
She had a happy childhood with sweet memories of the time she spent with her grandparents. Though her parents were loving and supportive, it was her grandparents who raised her and became her primary caregivers.
“I will always cherish the bond I had with them and I am grateful for their guidance and love.”
Manali knew that education was the key to a better future from a very young age. She worked hard in her school and college, participating in competitions and excelling in her studies. Her dedication resulted when she graduated as a university topper in engineering, achieving the 11th rank in her branch.
“I am also passionate about classical singing, drawing, painting, and yoga. These hobbies bring me immense joy and help me manage stress.”
Manali discovered Katalyst India, an NGO that supports girls from economically weaker backgrounds, during the second year of engineering. They offered personal development training and financial aid, which greatly benefited Manali. She became part of their alumni program, Alkemist, and through it, she was introduced to YourDOST which was their official mental health partner.
“I reached a point in my life where I felt that I needed professional help to deal with my struggles. Even though I had a loving family, it was difficult to talk to them about my problems as it would worry them.”
Her first session with a YourDOST counsellor was a significant moment. The counsellor was warm and understanding, which made Manali feel comfortable and she was able to share her thoughts openly.
Manali was always aware of her family’s financial struggles. Her father is a vendor and the financial stability of the family was not too good. This awareness motivated her to excel in her studies, hoping to improve her family’s situation. However, despite her achievements, she faced societal pressures and expectations that made her feel even more stressed.
“I attempted the UPSC exams twice but failed to clear them and these failures led to feelings of worthlessness where I even had suicidal thoughts. This is when I realised I needed professional help to navigate these challenges.”
Manali’s counsellor introduced her to helpful techniques like journaling, positive affirmations, and self-reflection. These practices helped her process her emotions and channelled them to develop a more positive outlook on life. She also found comfort in spirituality and began visiting temples regularly.
Gradually Manali learned to change her perspective on failures and instead of seeing them as impossible obstacles, she began viewing them as opportunities to support grow stronger.
“I am deeply grateful to my counsellor at YourDOST. Her empathetic guidance helped me wade through some of the toughest moments in my life. She never imposed solutions on me but helped me find my own answers and develop a healthier mindset.”
In terms of her feeling better, Manali rates herself 4 out of 5, recognising that there is always room for growth and improvement. Her story is an inspiration for others to face their challenges with courage and hope.
YourDOST is proud to see her become the strong personality she is today and wishes her all the best for the future!
Manali’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Trust in your ability to overcome challenges, even during difficult times.”
2.“Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when you need it as it is essential for your mental well-being.”
3.“We should raise awareness about mental health issues and support those in need.”
