Remember Harry Potter living in the small cupboard under the stairs? Some of us grow up with challenges that seem impossible at the moment but these early struggles can shape who we become and sometimes leave us with burdens we don’t fully understand. Yet, it is in facing these challenges and seeking help that we can find our way out of the darkness and into a life of purpose and fulfilment.
Meet Soureek, 28, who works as a manager for More Retail. Originally from Kolkata, his journey has been real tough.
He grew up in a middle-class family with many financial problems. His mother was the only one working to support the family, while his father didn’t work. To help his mother, Soureek started working different jobs right after his 10th grade.
“I took up this burden from my childhood and did any job that I could find, from being a delivery boy to delivering newspapers. However, at that time, I didn’t know that this burden would cause so many health and mental issues.”
Soureek always loved football and music. These hobbies gave him comfort, and he eventually started working as a freelance music composer and lyricist along with his work.
Soureek first heard about YourDOST from his workplace which has collaborated with the organisation as their official mental health partner. This was the start of a significant change in his life.
About a year and a half ago, while Soureek was in Croatia, he began having severe anxiety.
“I felt like I was going to have a heart attack and I was taken to the ER. The doctors told me my heart was fine and suggested I see a psychologist. This idea stuck with me but it wasn’t until I returned to India for a vacation that I decided to address my mental concerns.”
A psychologist in Kolkata diagnosed Soureek with general anxiety and advised him to do yoga, pranayama, and breathing exercises. However, despite following this advice, his symptoms came back. Soureek realised that he needed more help and turned to YourDOST and began sessions with Ms Ahana Dutta, his counsellor he met on YourDOST.
“Ahana heard everything about me and my whole story. She learned about all my problems from childhood and provided solutions accordingly. Her caring approach and practical advice were exactly what I needed at the moment.”
Ahana taught Soureek techniques like writing down his thoughts and using the 54321 grounding technique to stay in the present during anxiety episodes. She also encouraged him to practice meditation and over time, these strategies began to show results.
“I had started staying inside, and my whole social life went down. Now I have started going out, and I think I’ve started getting back the 1.5 years that I lost.”
The changes in Soureek’s life were incredible as he became calmer, and his panic attacks decreased a lot, allowing him to regain his freedom and confidence.
“I am very grateful to Ahana and the support she gave me. She has given me a life I missed and a new chance to live freely today. ‘Thank you’ is a small term to say, as she’s like a saviour to me.”
Looking back on his journey, Soureek rates himself a perfect 5 out of 5 in terms of feeling better. For him, improvement means positivity and a new sense of self.
Today Soureek is extremely happy at his change and wishes to continue the journey. We at YourDOST wish him the best in his future endeavours!
Soureek’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Think of mental health issues as a battle with yourself. Equip yourself to fight these battles.”
2.“Avoid triggers as much as possible and create a safe environment for your mental well-being.”
