“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu.
Life is a rollercoaster, filled with twists and turns that test our strength and shape who we become. Transitioning from teenage years to adulthood is like walking a tightrope, balancing dreams and setbacks while discovering who you really are. During this time, every challenge feels like climbing a mountain, and every small victory feels like reaching the stars.
Meet Mannat Kaur, an 18-year-old student pursuing an integrated MTech in CSE engineering at IIIT_Bangalore.
“I grew up in a supportive yet sometimes challenging family environment. My parents were always there for me, but they also had their insecurities, which I now realise were absolutely human.”
Mannat was always passionate about dancing, singing, and mathematics, which led her to opt for math in 11th and 12th grades and eventually clear the competitive exams with flying colours.
In January, Mannat experienced a profound loss with the passing of her grandfather and grandmother.
“Losing both of them in such a short span was a pain I never expected to endure.”
Living in a hostel away from home, Mannat had to deal with her grief alone, which was incredibly difficult.
“I felt an overwhelming emptiness and loneliness, especially with no family around.”
This emotional turmoil doubled when she faced rejection from someone she had developed feelings for. The rejection wasn’t just a blow to her heart and her self-esteem.
“I had sleepless nights, binged on junk food, and isolated myself. It felt like the world was collapsing around me.”
Mannat’s mental state deteriorated rapidly. She missed classes, locked herself in her room, and spiralled into a deep depression.
“What hurt the most was feeling unwanted and misunderstood.”
The combination of grief, rejection, and isolation pushed Mannat to seek help. She turned to YourDOST, an organisation her college partnered with for mental health support. Here, she met Ms Saloni Gandhi, who became her counsellor, and from their first session, Mannat felt a glimmer of hope.
“Saloni, ma’am, listened to me without judgment. She understood my pain and helped me find ways to cope.”
The journey from January to May was transformative. Saloni guided Mannat through her darkest times, helping her heal and rebuild her confidence. She introduced Mannat to various coping mechanisms to help her navigate her life better.
“She taught me box breathing to manage my emotions, especially on tough days.”
Journaling became a therapeutic outlet, and Saloni encouraged her to write a “let-go” letter to release her lingering pain from the rejection.
“Writing that letter was a turning point. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
Positive affirmations and manifestation practices became part of Mannat’s daily routine. She started her day with positive thoughts, reminding herself of her worth and goals. This practice helped shift her focus from negativity to self-improvement and personal growth.
With Saloni’s guidance, Mannat also embarked on a fitness journey.
“I wanted to transform not just emotionally but physically. I focused on my diet, started gymming, and achieved my desired body.”
This physical transformation mirrored her internal growth, reinforcing her belief in overcoming challenges. Despite her progress, Mannat recognises that her journey is ongoing. She continues to seek Saloni’s advice, especially when faced with academic pressures or emotional hurdles.
“Saloni, ma’am, helped me realise the importance of small steps. She advised me to study for short, focused periods and gradually increase my study time.”
The positive changes in Mannat’s life extend beyond her mental health and fitness. She has learned to set boundaries, prioritise herself, and view situations more positively.
“I started treating my parents as individuals with their own insecurities. I learned to say no and reduced my screen time, focusing on what truly matters.”
Mannat’s journey with YourDOST and Saloni has been transformative, and she is grateful for her help.
“I am deeply thankful for the support and guidance I got. Without Saloni, ma’am, I would have taken much longer to heal.”
Mannat rates her progress at 4.5 out of 5, acknowledging that there is always room for improvement.
At YourDOST, we are proud of Mannat’s journey and wish her all the best in the future!
Mannat’s Warrior Tips:
1.“It’s okay to feel vulnerable. Talk about your emotions instead of pushing them away.”
2.“Process your emotions healthily. Journaling and affirmations can be powerful tools.”
3.“Set boundaries and prioritise yourself. Focus on what truly matters to you.”
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.
