“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis
Life throws challenges at us when we expect them the least and these obstacles may be tough to navigate but often become the stepping stones to our greatest achievements. It’s during these times of struggle that we find our true strength and resilience, and transform our difficulties into opportunities for growth and success.
Meet Manjeeth, a 25-year-old young man, who worked in the grocery department at More Retail Private LTD.
Born and brought up in a small town on the borders of UP and Bihar, he gradually moved to Delhi with his parents when he was just four years old and has been living there ever since.
“My family consists of my elder sister, younger brother, and my parents. My father was always determined to give me a good education and thus used his savings to enrol me in a private school so that I could learn English and be independent in the wide world.”
Manjeeth worked hard and did well in the interview. He secured admission to a private school and later moved to a government school, where he completed his high school education.
“I completed my graduation in Delhi, in 2016 and began preparing for various government exams. I appeared for the UP Police constable exam twice, and finally passed it on my second attempt, becoming a police constable after clearing the CRPF exam.”
However, Manjeeth’s happiness was short-lived as he faced issues in the department and was wrongfully suspended. The suspension took a toll on Manjeeth’s mental health, leading to panic attacks and anxiety.
Manjeeth wanted to vent his concerns and stress, so he turned to therapy. He learned about YourDOST, a mental health support platform, through his workplace, which had a partnership with the organisation.
“The first impression of my counsellor was absolutely great. She made me extremely comfortable from the first session and held my hand throughout the journey. She talked to me in detail and understood my concerns well.”
After losing his job as a constable, Manjeeth returned to Delhi to complete his studies. However, financial struggles in the family forced him to look for work, but the job search proved challenging. As days passed, his anxiety and tension grew but eventually, he got a job at More Retail Private LTD and started working there.
“It was during this time that I decided to try YourDOST as I knew something was wrong and needed professional help.”
In his sessions, he discussed the stark differences between a government job and a private job, and the issues he faced with people’s behaviour and attitudes towards him. His counsellor provided valuable advice on how to tolerate and navigate these challenges with the help of some techniques and activities.
“Journaling and breathing techniques were some among the activities and techniques suggested by my counsellor, but unfortunately I found it difficult to continue with them.”
Despite this, he eventually began experiencing positive changes in his behaviour and overall attitude. Therapy helped him view people from a purely professional perspective and avoid taking things personally unless they were serious.
“I feel eternally grateful for the support I received. She has played a big role in my journey till now, and without her, I wouldn’t have survived in the private sector of work. So I am extremely grateful for her presence in my life.”
In terms of feeling better, Manjeeth gives himself a 4 out of 5. He is still on the path to healing, understanding that improvement requires dedication and continuous effort.
Manjeeth’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience one can find with the right support. At YourDOST, we are confident that Manjeeth is on the last step toward achieving his goals, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavours!
Manjeeth’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Nowadays, there’s a solution for everything and we just need to find it.”
2.“If I can get better with my issues, then anyone can do the same with the right support.”