Samiksha is a 21-year-old student from Sahirabad, Haryana. She is studying for a Bachelor of Technology at Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT) in Noida.
Having roots in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Samiksha and her elder brother were born and raised in Sahirabad by her parents. Samiksha elucidates that even though people tell her she hasn’t changed much since she grew up, she has always felt that there have been many changes in herself and her surroundings.
“I was an extrovert when I was a kid, and although that quality remains, I have become more cautious about sharing my personality with people. I was a good dancer as a kid but stopped pursuing it after my early teenage years, even though I still love it.”
She adds that her relationship with her family wasn’t good initially, but it became stronger when she grew up. She explained that they had started being more transparent and understanding of the other person’s origin.
Samiksha mentions that she stumbled upon an emotional rock when her life was progressing in the direction she desired. She found out that her partner, with whom she had been in a relationship for more than a year, had betrayed her trust by dating someone else simultaneously.
“When I heard about my boyfriend doing this, my first reaction was shock; I didn’t know how to react or respond. I felt numb and completely shut myself out.”
Samiksha recollects crying each day as she didn’t know how to process the pain. She decided that she would never return to her partner, but Samiksha also didn’t know how to move on from the thoughts and emotions she spiralled with.
Samiksha told her friends that she didn’t want to have any opposing thoughts and wanted to overcome the whole incident.
“One of my friends, knowing how much I’m hurting, shared how his experience with therapy and YourDOST benefitted him. He suggested that I take it, too.”
Samiksha took his suggestion and started her sessions with Ms Navya Kalra from the YourDOST platform. She remembers being nervous in her first session, as it was the first time she tried therapy. She adds that the counselor was very comforting, and felt her responses were genuine and sweet.
She elucidates that when she was going through the break-up, all her past hurtful moments, from childhood trauma to past friendships and relationships, surfaced, and she started pouring all of the buried emotions into the therapist.
“Sharing everything with Ms Navya, I felt like I should have started therapy much earlier instead of thinking my life events weren’t major issues, but better late than never.”
Samiksha elaborates that sharing her story with the counselor made her feel lighter and heard. She adds that even though she had a lot of friends, usually, when a relationship breaks, it’s a topic to make fun of for teenagers, especially if they are in the same friend group. This didn’t help with Samiksha’s progress.
“To see him every day in class and whenever I hang with friends was very difficult for me to go through. Therapy was the only place I could express those feelings, and Ms Navya gave me a lot of tips and techniques to cope with them.”
Samiksha explains that she used to journal on her phone before therapy, but the counselor made her realise the importance of taking time for herself and her feelings while journaling. The counsellor also made her write ‘5 things’ every night, such as the five things she didn’t like in her past relationship, the five things she desired in her next one, the five things she was grateful for, etc,.. Samiksha adds that this started her ‘turning a new leaf’ in her path.
Samiksha says all these different types of journaling and self-compassion techniques made her more self-dependent and helped her develop the ability to stand up for herself for the first time. The counselor also suggested meditation for her issues of overthinking.
“My counselor made me write down things I can control and things I cannot. It helps to clear ‘the brain fog,’ and I still use it to clarify any issue.”
Samiksha adds that even when she relapsed, contacted her ex-partner, and cried more, her therapist made her feel that it was normal and helped her start over again. Eventually, Samiksha learned to let go of her negative thoughts and the people in her life. She says she could finally prioritise herself and focus on her goals.
As Samiksha accepts her experience, she thanks Ms Navya for guiding her towards the light and adds that everything she learned in therapy will stay with her forever. She rates herself 4 out of 5 for the progress she made. As Samiksha moves forward, we are proud of her resilience toward her obstacles. We wish her the best in the future!
Samiksha’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Therapy makes us feel that we’re not alone; that light breaks in when we see darkness at both ends of the tunnel.”
2.“Therapy is for self-improvement and not just when you are going through something.”
3.“When you feel stuck, ask for help and reach out to people.”
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