“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” – Mandy Hale
Meet Shaheen Shaikh, a 21-year-old who works as a Project Communication Assistant at the George Institute for Global Health and has three years of experience in the social and education sector. She is an international exchange alumni of the US Department and a Global Youth Ambassador of Theirworld, a UK-based charity organisation focusing on children’s development. Her introduction exhibits her unique individuality and vibrant persona!
Shaheen resides in Mumbai, specifically in Govandi, because her grandfather wanted to stay there. Although she initially lived in Vashi, she moved back to her ancestral home to be with her family.
“Growing up, I experienced the typical dynamics of living in a joint family, which often led to clashes and disagreements. Now, living in a nuclear family has brought me a sense of relief and peace.”
Shaheen has a passion for travelling, going to the gym, reading, and talking. However, her routine was disrupted after returning from the USA, where she received a scholarship for an exchange program through the US Department of State.
Everyone loves a change in their lives, but when an exciting change gives way back to the normalcy in life, it can be tiring. It is almost like seeing a beautiful dream and then suddenly waking up and realising that everything’s gone and it can’t be brought back into the present.
The transition back to life in India was challenging, which led to feelings of depression and isolation for Shaheen. Through a reference from Antarang Foundation, Shaheen learned about YourDOST, which partners with Antarang to provide mental health support. It was here that Shaheen connected with her counsellor, Ms Jennifer Sarah J.
“It was a very foreign feeling for me to speak to somebody on a call via audio. However, the way Ms Jennifer asked me questions made a safe environment for me to trust her. It was very nice to talk to her every other way. It was a great experience.”
Shaheen had gone to the USA during the second year after the lockdown and stayed there for a year. Coming back, she struggled to readjust to life in India as the lockdown had lifted, but she faced the challenge of resuming normalcy, dealing with family conflicts, and missing her life in the USA. This cultural transition and the constant fights for personal privacy led her into depression.
“I didn’t want to eat. I didn’t want to go to the gym. I didn’t want to talk to anybody. Those relationships were also quite challenging for me to navigate.”
Seeking therapy was Shaheen’s way of understanding why settling back in India was so difficult after just a year in the USA. Her counsellor, Ms Jennifer, employed various techniques to help Shaheen cope, including meditation, the 54321 grounding technique, and journaling.
“She used to ask me to close my eyes, meditate, and focus on sensations. She gave me small activities and homework to do, and in the next session, we would discuss how it made me feel.”
These sessions included breathing exercises, anger management strategies, and techniques to create boundaries and practice self-love and self-care. These tools were pivotal in Shaheen’s journey toward becoming a better person.
As Shaheen worked through her therapy sessions, she saw her struggles as a natural process, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Just as the caterpillar must endure the confinement of the chrysalis, Shaheen had to face her emotional challenges head-on to emerge stronger and more resilient.
“I think I feel very relieved after venting out all those things that were bothering me. Every time after the conversation, there is always a different lens from which I’m looking at the problem.”
Shaheen noticed a significant shift in her approach to problems. She became more solution-oriented rather than just ranting about issues. This positive change in perspective helped her navigate through her challenges more effectively.
Shaheen expressed her heartfelt thanks to Jennifer for creating a safe environment where she felt comfortable sharing her deepest concerns.
“One thing I’m very grateful for is creating a safe environment because I’m the kind of person who does not really share anything personally. That environment made me think this is not the world’s end.”
Shaheen rates herself 4 out of 5 in terms of feeling better and believes that improvement signifies success. She continues to embrace the lessons learned during her therapy sessions, focusing on self-love and self-care.
Just as the ocean tides ebb and flow, bringing with them change and renewal, Shaheen’s journey through therapy brought her a renewed sense of self. The waves of her challenges receded, revealing the strength and resilience she always had within her.
We at YourDOST believe that Shaheen is on her way to achieving even greater heights and wish her all the best in her future endeavours!
Shaheen’s Warrior Tips:
1.“If you feel that something is not going correctly, and you don’t find any solution, it’s high time that you seek help.”
2.“Have the persistence and courage to see that this is something you need to stand up for yourself.”
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