“Every moment is a fresh beginning” – T.S. Eliot.
The balance between waiting and taking action shapes our lives. While it’s nice to think that good things come to those who wait, the people who actively chase their dreams truly find success. As opportunities come and go, it becomes clear that those who sit back and hope for luck may miss out, while those who work hard for themselves will gather life’s rewards.
Meet the warrior of the day, Nandhakishore, a 30-year-old Ph.D. scholar at the renowned IIT Roorkee.
Coming from Kodakara, a small town in Kerala, Nandhakishore’s life journey has had its equal share of ups and downs that have only helped him grow as a person.
Nanadakishore grew up in a joint family in his childhood and later in a nuclear family with his mom, dad, and sister.
“I was always seen as an obedient, quiet, and timid child. My parents would describe me as someone who never caused much trouble.”
Nandhakishore’s major passion is football. He loves to watch, analyse, and even write about the game. He plays for his college team and considers football his lifeline.
Nandhakishore learned about YourDOST through his college, which partners with the organisation as its official mental health partner.
Nandhakishore reached out for counselling to seek help for his growing anxiety. Initially, he worked with Ms Padmaja, who left a positive impression on him. However, when she left the platform, he began sessions with Ms Ahana.
“I was happy with my earlier sessions with Padmaja, but Ahana has been equally good. She’s solution-oriented and easy to talk to. It feels more like a conversation with a friend than a session with an expert.”
Nandhakishore’s journey with therapy began due to severe anxiety. The anxiety had jumped up to the point where it caused physiological symptoms, and he realised he needed professional help to understand and manage it.
“I had a lot of anxiety. It was starting to show physiological changes. That’s when I realised I should take a step to understand what was happening and turn a good corner.”
His initial therapy sessions focused on managing anxiety, and the techniques he learned were incredibly helpful. As he progressed, Nandhakishore returned to therapy to address issues of procrastination and productivity.
“My sessions now are more about self-improvement and understanding the reasons behind my procrastination. We’re also exploring my relationships with others, my personal boundaries, and aspects of both my personal and professional life.”
The therapeutic techniques Nandhakishore learned with Ms Ahana proved to be invaluable for him. He appreciated having someone to talk to, noting that it’s often underrated.
“Having a person to talk to is very important. It’s something we often don’t realise we need.”
Nandhakishore learned various anxiety management techniques, including breathing exercises and mindfulness practices, in his sessions. Now, he has shifted his focus to being more mindful and appreciative of his surroundings. He keeps a journal to note things he is grateful for and uses box breathing to calm himself.
“The techniques were explained methodically, which was important for me. Knowing why I was doing something and how it would help make a big difference.”
Since starting therapy, Nandhakishore has seen significant improvements. His anxiety has decreased substantially, though he acknowledges that there’s still work to be done.
“My anxiety has come down a lot. I feel that it’s something I can control much better now. There’s still more work to be done, but it’s much better than before.”
Regarding procrastination, Nandhakishore has gained valuable insights into why he behaves the way he does.
“There’s been a lot of realisations about why I act a certain way. It’s a process, but I’m working with my experts and making progress.”
Nandhakishore is grateful for the support and guidance of his therapists. He appreciates their non-judgmental approach and their ability to understand him.
“I’m extremely grateful for both of them. They have been very non-judgmental and understanding. It’s been a wonderful experience.”
Nandhakishore rates himself as 4 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, and he defines improvement as finding peace with himself.
The healing path Nandhakishore is on has been equally beneficial and a lifelong lesson for him. We at YourDOST are proud of his journey and wish him the best in his life!
Nandhakishore’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Ask for help. It’s brave to seek help when you need it. You might think you don’t need it, but you will know once you try.”
2.“Try different therapists. If you don’t connect with one, don’t judge therapy based on that single experience. Find someone who fits well with you.”
3.“Focus on self-care and understand that having someone to talk to can make a significant difference.”
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.
