“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.
Success is often looked at as the ultimate goal, a destination reached only by overcoming numerous challenges. However, true success is not a permanent state, nor is failure a definitive end. The unwavering courage to continue despite setbacks and obstacles truly defines our journey.
Govind is a 22-year-old B.Tech Computer Science student at Delhi Technological University.
Govind was born and raised in Delhi, where he lives with his parents and siblings. He describes his childhood as “okay,” with the primary focus on academics.
“As a child, I was an introvert and preferred the company of books and my thoughts over social gatherings.”
Hobbies and interests shape a person’s personality. As someone wise said, reading is to mind what food is to the body, thus this passion can be hidden gold during the growing years. His parents emphasised the importance of education, shaping much of his early life experiences.
“I like reading, especially science and topics about human behaviour and consciousness.”
Alongside reading, writing became a cherished hobby. These activities allowed him to explore and express his thoughts, providing comfort in the challenges he faced.
Govind’s journey took a significant turn when he learned about YourDOST, as the organization partnered with his university.
“I first heard about YourDOST from the university during orientation, and the fourth day of the orientation was dedicated to mental health of students.”
This introduction proved to be a lifeline for Govind, who had been dealing with severe anxiety and depression. Here, he met his counsellor, Tanvi Nair, for the first time, which was a pivotal moment.
“The first thing I thought when I got into a session with her was that I was being seen. I could feel that this was a safe space.”
With Tanvi, he could express his issues and go into deep concerns like self-harm, which he couldn’t share with his friends or family. Govind’s diagnosis of clinical depression was triggered by the pressure of entrance exams. He could not get into the college of his dreams while his friends were a step ahead of him.
“All of my friends were in college, and I was the only one left back, so that made me anxious and stressed.”
The isolation and stress became overwhelming for Govind. By 2022, he recognised that his sadness was more than just a passing phase; it was clinical depression.
“When I got diagnosed with clinical depression, I promised myself that once I got into the university, I would start therapy.”
This promise became a beacon of hope, and after gaining admission, Govind kept his word and sought help. He got into the first session with Tanvi.
Tanvi introduced Govind to self-help techniques, including doodling and drawing on his hand like intricate tattoos. These creative ways became therapeutic for him, allowing him to express his emotions in a safe and constructive manner. He even shared his doodles with friends, finding a sense of connection through his art.
“Since writing is my hobby, Tanvi suggested I write regularly, especially when experiencing strong negative emotions.”
Putting his thoughts on paper helped him process and manage his feelings, turning actions into creative expressions. Through therapy and self-help techniques, Govind began seeing positive life changes.
The support from Tanvi, both emotional and practical, helped him get through his darkest moments.
“The medication helped a lot, but the emotional support from my counsellor was immeasurable. I am immensely grateful to Tanvi for being there for me when nobody was.”
Govind is vocal about his journey. Hence, in terms of feeling better, he rates himself as 3 out of 5. Improvement, for him, means detaching from negative thoughts and emotions, a process that takes time and effort.
As he continues to brave life’s challenges, we at YourDOST are confident that he is just moments away from reaching his full potential. We wish him the best in the future!
Govind’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Even when feeling low or depressed, maintain faith in your abilities and potential.”
2.“Learn something new, even if it goes unappreciated by others. Engaging in new activities can help dispel negative energies.”
3.“Use writing, drawing, or any creative outlet to express your emotions and thoughts.”
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.
