Life often feels like being a character in “Game of Thrones,” where every step is faced with unexpected obstacles and twists. Just as Jon Snow faced innumerable odds and relentless trials, we, too, must find our path through the chaos. By seeking guidance and taking small, meaningful steps each day, we can conquer our battles and emerge stronger, ready to face whatever comes next.
Meet Nitin, a 21-year-old native of Rajasthan. He lives in Mumbai and is pursuing a B. Design in Visual Communication at ATLAS SkillTech University. He is also interning at a studio.
Nitin’s family moved from Rajasthan to Raipur when he was six or seven years old. He comes from a Marwadi business family that trades steel. Living in a joint family, Nitin has two uncles, three aunts, his grandmother, and many cousins.
“I also have a younger brother, and my father manages the steel trading business. My relationship with different family members has evolved, and it was good during my childhood but became a bit weird as I grew up.”
From a young age, Nitin showed a passion for art. He started sketching and painting as a kid, eventually leading him to a graphic design career. Much like Tony Stark tinkering with gadgets, Nitin’s love for creating never ceased. Alongside his craze for design, Nitin enjoys swimming and crafting, consuming memes and cinema, and constantly exploring new ways to express his creativity.
Nitin first heard about YourDOST through his college, which partners with the organisation as their official mental health partner. He started counselling sessions with Kisha Das, who made a positive impression on him.
“She’s nice and listens to me without any form of judgment. She gives me control of the conversation, and I appreciate the freedom to discuss my thoughts openly.”
Nitin sought help for his relationships with friends and family and for a deep sense of nihilism that had taken hold of him. He had read a lot of philosophy and consumed content that left him feeling nothing made sense but to learn the fact that the universe doesn’t bear any intrinsic meaning. The void is scary, and entropy is actual, gloomy, and meaningless. This nihilistic outlook affected his ability to function and led to self-harming thoughts as he felt trapped in thought loops, unable to break free.
“My perception of my family members has changed over time. I still do not understand how what was once so dear and sacred got ruined because of misunderstandings, miscommunication and finding things out about them that I once, as a kid, had not known at all. How all that led to me feeling bad about them and perceiving them as people, I don’t want to be around. I have now forgiven them and started looking at them not just as my parents or guardians but also as ‘people’ and, just like myself, because they, too, are living life for the first time.”
The constant thoughts that nothing matters and nothing is real started to creep into Nitin’s existence and began eating him from the inside. He struggled to distinguish between what was real and what was not, making him fall deep into the arms of twisted thoughts coloured with negativity.
“Ms Keisha helped me set attainable goals and track my progress. These goals were decided by both of us through discussions, ensuring they were realistic. I used to get happy when I could tell Keisha ma’am that I achieved something. It motivated me.”
This approach gave him a sense of accomplishment and a way to measure his progress. Over time, Nitin began to see positive changes, and he began writing his thoughts down, using a calendar to track his activities, and becoming more optimistic.
“I’ve become a little more positive, sort of optimistic.”
These small changes made a significant difference in his outlook and daily life, akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
” I’m eternally grateful to Ms Keisha as she’s amazing. I’ve referred many of my friends to her. Her understanding and non-judgmental approach made me comfortable sharing even the most personal thoughts. She makes me comfortable sharing stuff that would make me ashamed to share even with my closest friends.”
In terms of feeling better, Nitin rates himself a 3.5 out of 5. He views improvement as finding things on his own and believes that taking risks and making mistakes is part of the journey.
“It’s over, aayenge aur jaayenge, lekin we are so back hote rehna chahiye!” he says, quoting a meme. It reflects his belief in resilience and learning from experiences, much like a phoenix rising from its ashes.
We at YourDOST are positive that Nitin is just moments away from hitting the golden 5 mark, and we wish him luck in all his future endeavours!
Nitin’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Take risks and find things on your own, as making mistakes teaches you to avoid repeating them.”
2.“Be gentle with yourself at any cost. Remember, it’s everyone’s first time living life.”
Are you someone who has gone through a difficult phase and emerged stronger and better, with some professional help? Share your story with us to encourage thousands of others who might be struggling. Click here to submit your story.
