Life is full of ups and downs, and every experience teaches us something new. Between school pressures and the chaos of growing up, there’s always a powerful story of finding oneself. It’s about facing fears, connecting with others, and discovering inner strength.
Anant (name changed) is a 21-year-old youngster who completed his Bachelor’s at Shiv Nadar University this year.
Anant is a sports enthusiast who loves hanging out with friends and watching anime and dramas. His love for these hobbies provided a much-needed escape from academic and social pressures.
Anant comes from Indore, where he lives with his parents and siblings. Despite a relatively good childhood, his journey to date has not been without its hurdles.
“My father was a government officer, which meant a transfer every three years. This frequent relocation made me constantly make new friends, which was easier than my introverted brother.”
However, these frequent shifts also meant losing touch with old friends, and Anant found it challenging to maintain long-distance relationships.
“I was always a bright student in school, but I struggled with the pressure to meet my parents’ high and unnatural expectations of me.”
His parents had strict expectations about his studies, which added another layer of stress to his childhood, often resulting in conflicts, especially during his teenage years.
Anant first heard about YourDOST from his college, which has a partnership with the organisation as their official mental health partner.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for Anant. Once a bright student, the shift to online learning affected his academic performance.
“The isolation of studying from home in Hyderabad, miles away from my college in Delhi, eventually led me to immerse myself in anime and dramas and neglect my studies.”
The lack of physical interaction with peers made it difficult for him to make new friends in college, leaving him clinging to his high school friendships.
When COVID restrictions eased, Anant had to return to college. Now, the new transition was equally daunting, bringing anxiety and fear.
“My grades suffered, and the pressure to catch up academically was overwhelming. The social aspect was also distressing as my classmates had already formed friendships, and I couldn’t mingle with them.”
The emotional turmoil led Anant to seek help, and he began attending sessions. Although he was uncertain about the immediate benefits, these sessions planted the seeds of self-awareness and coping strategies.
After returning to college after a three-month summer break in 2022, Anant’s mindset shifted. The fear and anxiety that once plagued him started to disappear as he occupied himself with activities and slowly integrated with his peers. Despite this progress, he still needed to prioritise his studies over social interactions.
As graduation approached, the pressure of finding a job intensified.
“Many of my friends had secured positions or internships, while a few others and I had yet to secure a good job opportunity. I also set out on a trip with my friends without informing my parents, and what hurt me and pushed me to guilt was my father’s calmness over the call.”
The trip marked a low point for Anant. His overthinking and anxiety resurfaced, straining his friendships. He realised that prioritising others over himself had left him feeling empty and directionless.
The combination of career pressure, strained friendships, and the transition from college to home life took a toll on his mental health.
“In therapy, I learned various grounding techniques and mindfulness practices to manage my anxiety. I found it challenging to remember these techniques during moments of panic, but the healing process slowly began to take root. “
Anant kept himself busy and gave himself a purpose to work on, like coding and job applications, significantly improving his mental state. Techniques like grounding exercises, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness helped him cope.
“I have immense gratitude for my therapist, whose listening and understanding helped me in my journey. Through their guidance, I figured out my path, gaining awareness of my mental health and learning to prioritise myself.”
In terms of feeling better, Anant rates himself a 4 out of 5. He sees improvement as a continuous journey and believes in the power of self-reflection and practising what he truly wants to do.
Anant is on the brink of hitting a golden 5, and we at YourDOST could not be happier!
Anant’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Always believe in yourself and stay engaged by learning or doing something new.”
2.“Embrace new activities, even if others may not appreciate them, to ward off negative energies.”
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.
