In a world that celebrates social butterflies, being an introvert can sometimes feel like living in an entirely different dimension. It’s like being Batman in a world full of Superman, where your quiet strength is your power and challenge. Loneliness can sneak up on you, making you question your place among friends and strangers, but deep within those quiet moments, there’s a hidden strength waiting to be discovered and embraced.
Meet our protagonist, Shrey, a 20-year-old bachelor’s student from Ahmedabad University.
Shrey lived in his hometown with his parents and his sister. His childhood wasn’t very pleasant as he was a shy, introverted kid who had difficulty starting conversations with people. He often felt nervous and anxious, mostly because he was bullied a lot throughout middle school, elementary school, and even in high school.
“I always felt like I was stuck in a bubble, watching everyone else live their lives while I struggled just to say ‘hello’.”
The relentless bullying took a toll on him, leaving lasting scars that made social interactions daunting. Shrey’s relationship with his parents is also somewhat complicated, as they often argue and yell, each trying to prove their point. These conflicts affected Shrey profoundly; hence, he had trouble making friends and socialising, which added to his struggles.
“I love my parents, but sometimes it feels like we’re speaking different languages. These familial tensions and school experiences made my journey even more challenging.”
Shrey has several hobbies that bring him joy. He loves to write, and in his spare time, he enjoys listening to songs, watching shows and movies, playing badminton and tennis, etc.
Shrey first heard about YourDOST from his college, which partners with the organisation as its official mental health partner. Feeling the need for someone who could understand his situation, Shrey chose Tanvi Nair as his counsellor. He wanted someone closer to his age who could relate to his experiences and provide a fresh perspective.
“I needed someone who could see the world through my eyes, someone who gets what it’s like to be in my shoes.”
Shrey’s reason for seeking therapy arose from the emotional and mental bullying he endured. He was often made fun of, called names, and ridiculed for his interests and personality. These experiences and conflicts at home led Shrey to develop habits that made him feel like a “strange kid.”
“My love for quiet activities and my hesitation to make friends made me a target for bullies, making me feel isolated.”
Shrey often felt sad for no reason and experienced panic in large groups of people he didn’t know. This anxiety made it difficult for him to interact and engage with others, even now.
During his sessions with Tanvi, Shrey learned several techniques to manage his stress and anxiety. She advised him to create a safe space for himself, prioritise his needs, and avoid situations that don’t concern him.
When Shrey had trouble falling asleep, Tanvi suggested techniques like writing down his thoughts, avoiding screens, reading a book, and practising breathing exercises. These strategies helped him find some relief.
“Talking about my concerns and sharing opinions helped me figure out things much easier. My counsellor engaged in interactive sessions with me, which helped me feel comfortable about talking about my issues.”
As it was Shrey’s first time with counselling. He was keen on setting expectations with his therapist so that they would better understand his concerns, and he successfully laid the groundwork for it. What all things to share, what to decide, what to expect, etc., were some of the questions he needed answers to, and his therapist helped him conclude all these queries.
“I realised early on in the sessions that rather than being the backseat driver of my life and letting someone else take control, I just needed to know the routes well to take the wheel in my hands.”
Shrey expresses his heartfelt gratitude to his therapist, who helped him immensely in his life journey.
“Ms Tanvi was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to helping me out. I could sense her concern for me. Her passion and dedication to me and my questions were incredible.”
Shrey rates himself 3 out of 5 in terms of feeling better and envisions improvement as growth.
We at YourDOST are positive that Shrey is just moments away from hitting the golden 5 mark, and we wish him luck in all his future endeavours!
Shrey’s Warrior Tips:
1.“It is okay to feel vulnerable sometimes; rather than throwing those emotions away, push them away and try talking it out.”
2.“Process your emotions properly. Talk to people. If you feel like crying, then there’s nothing wrong with that.”
3.“Don’t avoid feelings or suppress them. Deal with it healthily.”
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.
