“Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes. I’m afraid it’s time for goodbye again.” – Billy Joel.
Sometimes, in life, we come across situations that we may have never anticipated in our wildest dreams. It may shake us to the core and even make us doubt our existence, but that is life, a series of ups and downs we have to overcome to lead a life of contentment.
Meet Thejas (name changed), a 36-year-old office staff employee at IIM Bangalore who has been with the institution for over eight years.
Originally from Bangalore, Thejas continues to live in the city where he grew up, enjoying a career that provides stability and a sense of community.
“My childhood was delightful, and I had a great childhood. I have my mother and two elder brothers, and I’m the youngest. I think I’m closest to my mom and my elder brother.”
Thejas’ close-knit family and happy memories of growing up in Bangalore are a source of comfort for him.
Although his professional path did not lead him in that direction, Thejas has a keen interest in design. He enjoys designing posters both for work and as a hobby. Movies, especially action-packed English films, are another of his passions.
Thejas first heard about YourDOST from his workplace, which partners with the organisation as its official mental health partner. His journey with YourDOST began during a particularly challenging period in his life.
Thejas was going through a separation from his spouse, a situation that brought about significant emotional turmoil and anxiety.
“It’s been many years since I was in a relationship, and getting separated is very tough. It’s tough to explain. I was feeling shallow. Not that I have come out of it, but I was trying to maintain my cool and not get stressed over this. I felt that there was a need for professional help. So, it was a good decision.”
Thejas decided to reach out to YourDOST and was paired with Bindushree M Satheesha, a counsellor who would guide him through this difficult time.
In their first session, Bindushree focused on understanding Thejas’s background and current situation. She asked many questions to get to know him better, showing great empathy and excellent listening skills.
“She has great listening skills. She doesn’t interfere when I’m talking and allows me to complete whatever I want to say. She’s very patient and empathetic.”
The separation had left Thejas with a sense of emotional disturbance and anxiety. He was determined to maintain his emotional balance and not let his situation lead to further trouble. His sessions with Bindushree helped him work towards this goal.
Gratitude was a significant focus in Thejas’ therapy. Bindushree encouraged him to keep a gratitude journal, writing down the things and people for which he was grateful. This practice helped Thejas shift his focus from his struggles to the positive aspects of his life.
“Gratitude is something that we are working on. She said I should constantly focus on the things I’m grateful for. It helps in the long run.
In addition to gratitude, Bindushree also gave Thejas practical tips on managing his day-to-day activities and career. She suggested writing down tasks and prioritising them based on urgency and importance. Although Thejas was aware of these concepts, having them reinforced by his counsellor helped him streamline his activities and reduce stress.
“She also told me to communicate with people around me. These activities and her advice helped me in my daily life.”
Through his sessions with Bindushree, Thejas realised the importance of sharing his feelings openly.
“People like me, who are going through emotional problems, find it difficult to share feelings with everyone. Therapy helps because we can share our feelings openly. It reduces our burden and stress.”
After every session, Thejas felt lighter and more understood. Bindushree’s conversations and activities significantly improved his emotional well-being.
“I’m really grateful because she is very helpful and professional in her work. She tries her level best to provide solutions. She’s solution-oriented, patient, and empathetic.”
Thejas rates himself as 4 out of 5 in terms of feeling better and views improvement as achieving emotional stability. He believes that seeking professional help is crucial during tough times.
We at YourDOST are proud of Thejas’s journey and wish him the best in the future!
Thejas’s Warrior Tips:
1.“When facing extreme challenges, seek professional help. It can make a significant difference.”
2.“Focus on the positive aspects of life and practice gratitude.”
3.“Remember, there is more to life than the current sadness. Embrace the future with hope and positivity.”
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.
