“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”- Helen Keller.
In the beautiful city of Udaipur, 23-year-old Zakir (name changed) from Maharashtra is pursuing an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Udaipur.
Zakir’s childhood was a wonderful blend of freedom and fun. As the youngest of two brothers, he often enjoyed liberties that his elder sibling didn’t.
“My parents used to say I was a very silent kid. However, things changed when I turned seven or eight and became one of those lively kids whose antics were well-known among relatives.”
His parents and elder brother were always supportive, giving him the freedom to explore his interests and make his own decisions. As a child, Zakir was inspired by his brother’s success.
“My brother has always done well. I felt a sense of competition, but it was more motivation for me.”
This drive pushed him to take his studies seriously as he understood the value of education was beyond mere marks. By the time he reached the 10th grade, he was determined to excel academically and carve out a successful career.
Zakir loves sports, especially football and cricket, but his hectic schedule leaves only a little time for these passions.
The demands of MBA life were intense, with hours of classes, assignments, committee work, and other responsibilities. Zakir found himself struggling with anxiety, especially during critical times like exams or interviews.
“I would show some OCD symptoms and used to feel a compulsion to check things multiple times for assurance. This behaviour, which I later learned, was a way to convince myself that I was prepared and in control.”
When Zakir realised that he needed help, he turned to YourDOST, which partnered with his college for mental health services. After a few counsellor changes, he found Shruti Jain, who understood his perspective and saw things from his side.
“She was intuitive about those things and understood where I came from. Shruti helped me address my anxiety and OCD tendencies. Together, we discovered that my compulsive behaviours were my way of managing stress and seeking control.”
One strategy Shruti suggested was to limit dwelling on past issues to one hour a day, helping him stay focused and productive during other times. This approach helped Zakir manage his thoughts and reduce negative triggers.
Another significant challenge Zakir faced was the end of a serious relationship. This breakup triggered deeper issues, which revealed his difficulty in letting go of people. Through therapy, Zakir realised his dependency on others for emotional support was a recurring theme.
“It was never about the relationship or the person. It was just a trigger that had to happen no matter what.”
Shruti’s guidance helped him understand the importance of self-dependence and recognising his own worth.
“My counsellor helped me realise there is much to do in life, and I have much to offer people. I want to thank her because I overthink a lot, and things could have gone wrong, but she was there for me through it all.”
Today, Zakir rates his improvement at 3.5 out of 5, acknowledging he still has a journey ahead but is making progress. He appreciates Shruti’s ability to structure their sessions, providing clarity and actionable goals.
As Zakir continues his journey, he remains focused on balancing his academic pursuits with personal growth. He is determined to excel in his studies and manage his anxiety with the strategies he has learned in his path of healing.
We at YourDOST are confident Zakir is on the right track and wish him all the best in the future!
Zakir’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Always believe in yourself, even during low moments.”
2.“Understand the importance of being self-dependent and recognise your worth.”
3.“Allocate specific times to address past issues, allowing you to focus on current tasks and responsibilities.”
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