“Have patience with all things. But, first of all, with yourself”- St. Francis de Sales.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to forget to be patient, especially with ourselves. We often chase success, compare ourselves to others, and feel like we’re not enough. But real growth comes from being kind to ourselves and understanding that setbacks are normal. It’s not about how quickly we get there but about taking each step, no matter how small, and giving ourselves the time and grace to grow.
Shalini (name changed) is a 27-year-old Software Engineer from Andhra Pradesh who works at ADF Data Science Private Limited. Her life journey has been as unique as her personality.
Shalini grew up in a family of four, with her parents and younger brother. They used to live as a joint family, deeply rooted in traditional Telugu culture. Her childhood was lined with tradition and education, and studying at one of India’s leading colleges exposed her to new people and ideas.
“My childhood has been good. I grew up within the traditions of my family and culture. Studying at a leading college in India opened my eyes to new experiences and perspectives.”
Shalini has always been passionate about outdoor activities. She loves singing and music and enjoys hiking, trekking, swimming, and playing sports like basketball and table tennis.
“I love outdoor activities. Hiking and trekking are my favourites. Table tennis is another sport I enjoy a lot.”
Shalini first heard about YourDOST through her workplace, as they have partnered with the organisation as its official mental health partner. When she went through a rough patch in her life, she turned to the platform for help.
Shalini needed someone to understand her situation, so she chose Ms Ananya Purkayastha as her counsellor.
“Ananya has been my counsellor for the past year. She’s incredibly empathetic and understanding. Unlike friends or relatives with different viewpoints, Ananya truly grasps what I’m going through.”
Shalini turned to therapy as her concerns revolved around handling long-term relationships with her parents, relatives, husband, and family. These complex relationship dynamics have caused her a lot of emotional trauma and dilemma.
“I had undergone a lot of emotional trauma and felt a constant dilemma about what is right or wrong.”
The societal expectations placed on Indian women often add to these insecurities and stress. Shalini’s anxiety issues arose from these pressures, making her daily life stressful and challenging.
“Indian society moulds women in a certain way from their childhood, which leads to insecurities and stress. My issues have been around my marital life and managing the relationship with my parents.”
During her sessions with Ananya, Shalini learned various techniques to manage her anxiety. She began writing down her thoughts to counter her overthinking and started practising self-talk and deep breathing exercises.
“I started writing my diary, noting my thoughts, and practising self-talk. Deep breathing exercises have also been helpful.”
Shalini’s anxiety often spiked during stressful times or situations, which often led to feelings of loneliness. However, speaking with her counsellor provided a sense of relief and helped her manage her emotions better.
“Talking to Ananya has been incredibly relieving. It feels like a weight is lifted off my shoulders when I share my thoughts and feelings. Even during online chatting sessions, I felt a sense of relief, and my anxiety reduced.”
Shalini is deeply grateful to her counsellor for the support she has received. Ananya has been a pillar of support, helping her deal with her emotional turmoil.
“I couldn’t have achieved what I have without Ananya. She has been my support, helping me through my toughest times.”
Shalini rates herself a 4 out of 5 for feeling better. Improvement means handling tough situations rationally and having a clear mind.
Shalini’s journey of self-discovery is still ongoing. She continues to face challenges but does so with her newfound sense of resilience and self-awareness.
We at YourDOST are proud of Shalini and believe she is well on her way to achieving her goals. We wish her all the best in her journey ahead.
Shalini’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Take your time with things, analysing and thinking through them. Impatience often leads to wrong decisions.”
2.“Be kind to yourself. It’s important to handle emotions at their root because it’s hard to identify and eradicate them once they dominate you.”
3.“Observe yourself and your reactions. Talk to yourself politely about how you could have handled situations differently. Be aware of your mind and prioritise self-care.”
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.
