“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“Muster the courage to reframe your thoughts, attain the confidence to confront life”, says Aalen, a 26-year-old Senior Content Associate at Alyve Health.
Having done a master’s in clinical psychology, although Aalen is not practising, he managed to be part of the well-being field by working in health-related organisations. He says he loves writing and is glad he made it his profession, too. Aalen also loves to play basketball and work out at the gym daily.
Born and raised in a family of five in Kerala, Aalen resides in Mumbai with his two younger brothers.
“After my father retired, I’m the primary breadwinner of the house. I take care of my brothers and my parents.”
Aalen elucidates that he is closer to his mother than his family members. He adds that even though he had loving parents, their conservative beliefs and approach towards mental health made him face difficulties with his issues.
“I think ADHD runs in our family. I was a hyperactive kid in school, and I used to stand up in class and run around randomly. I used to get lost when my parents constantly took me out. Even my brother had certain traits of this kind, but my parents weren’t open to concepts of mental health and never accepted it.”
Aalen adds that he was interested in psychology to understand his traits and emotions. It helped him find the correct vocabulary to define his issues and situation.
Due to the negligence of his parents regarding mental health, it was only at the age of 24 that Aalen was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and depression by a professional psychiatrist. He adds that his brother, too, got diagnosed with ADHD, and his parents had dismissed both of the issues.
“I thought I was just sad, and when I conveyed how I felt to my parents, they would hand me the Bible to find answers. Religion was their go-to coping mechanism. The more I studied psychology, the more clear things got for me. I started inclining towards therapy but couldn’t seek it until I was financially independent.”
Aalen elaborates that once he started working, he began seeking therapy through his company and taking medicines prescribed by the psychiatrist. When Aalen switched jobs and joined Alyve Health, he contacted experts on YourDOST through his company’s subscription.
“Therapy with my previous providers was good, but I always wanted someone from a similar cultural background as mine to understand where I’m coming from. When the YourDOST platform had the choices I wanted, it made me happy, and I started connecting Ms Akhila for the sessions.”
Aalen explained that he could talk to Ms Akhila freely and discussed all his past diagnoses and his family. He added that he never felt inhibited, and it was easy to open up to her.
“I struggled with intense depression and lousy anxiety episodes since I was a teenager, along with my ADHD. I also have severe social anxiety. None of these were adequately addressed, and I was not in touch with my emotions.”
Aalen elaborates that he started working during the pandemic lockdown, and things did not bother him much. Still, once the lockdown was lifted, he had to interact with people and socialise after two and a half years. It felt challenging for Aalen and triggered his social anxiety.
“If someone asked me a question, I used to get so nervous that I couldn’t even form words and sentences. I found myself making excuses to take work from home most often.”
This was the immediate cause of Aalen’s first talk to a therapist. He describes the session as too overwhelming because it made things real for Aalen. Eventually, he started working on himself, and after he connected with the counselor at YourDOST, Aalen was introduced to various techniques to help with his situation.
He explains that Ms Akhila made him start a photo journal, which he feels is the most helpful, and he started doing it regularly. He adds that the CBT techniques and holding himself accountable towards his goals push him through challenging situations.
Aalen says his therapist adapted more logical ways to help him, understanding that he wasn’t comfortable with mindfulness. Through all of these activities, Aalen profoundly describes how, from barely functioning in a social setting, he has moved to be relaxed and confident when interacting with even strangers.
“I have a good sense of humour but used to be unable to express myself. Through therapy, I feel like I have come out on the other side, and now I’m even able to host an event with anxiety. It’s a milestone in my journey.”
Aalen adds that he is grateful to his therapist for getting him where he is and is amazed at the change therapy can bring. He elucidates that even his friends have acknowledged his changes and are happy for him.
Aalen rates himself 4 out of 5 for making progress, so we are incredibly proud of him and delighted to be part of his journey.
Aalen’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Therapy is not just two-person talking; it’s more about restructuring and reframing your thoughts.”
2.“Don’t question yourself every step; seek professional help and organise your emotions better.”
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.
