Trigger Warning: Harassment and bullying
Aishu (name changed) is a 23-year-old MBA graduate from the Birla Institute of Management (BIMTECH). After her postgraduate studies, she started working in a corporate company.
Aishu comes from a compassionate family where every member cares for each other dearly. Although Aishu was an introverted and shy kid, she grew up to be more social and outspoken, which she feels is a good change. She also enjoys dancing, which she used to pursue until college but discontinued due to her workload.
Aishu shares that she had always feared darkness since the 10th grade and was extremely scared at night when left alone. She knew the cause of her phobia, and she also knew she needed therapy, but she didn’t want to worry her parents.
Once Aishu joined BIMTECH, she became aware of her college’s tie-up with the YourDOST platform to provide free access to students for their well-being. She decided to contact the experts.
She explained that she started taking therapy with the chat sessions initially and said that it felt terrific to let out everything she had on her mind and share with someone who acknowledged confidentiality. She opened up everything about her fears to the counselors she connected with.
“When I was in 10th grade, the person I was dating broke up. When I was already hurt, knowing about it, a group of boys in the neighbourhood eve teased me and chased me around, saying they would create a scene outside my house if I didn’t date one of them.”
Aishu elaborates that they also threatened to hurt her physically, and Aishu had to run off from that situation as she was terrified. This incident created trauma in her, and she ended up developing a phobia for darkness.
Even though Aishu’s parents were strict, she knew that if she had shared this, they would have helped her. However, as a young teenager, Aishu recollects being scared to act on any of the solutions she had in mind as it was tough for her to process them.
Therapy was the first place Aishu opened up about the harassment, and for almost five years, she kept it within herself and had to fight the impact of her trauma alone.
“The counselor gave me the trust I needed to disclose my struggles, and they understand my emotions better than anyone else.”
The experts employed various techniques to help Aishu overcome her trauma. The three techniques she found to be extremely useful were journaling her thoughts every day, daily affirmations, and the mirror technique, where she had to talk to herself by looking at her reflection in the mirror as guided by her counselor.
Writing down every positive and negative event and her thoughts daily gave Aishu a sense of relief from the day-to-day incidents, and she started using it as a cathartic space to address her traumas slowly. She was also taught some mindful techniques for her fears and anxiety, which Aishu elucidates as helpful in reducing the intensity.
“I continue using these techniques as I feel more confident about myself, and it gives me a feeling that I can handle any situation.”
Aishu adds that even though she still fears darkness at night, the way it impacts her has changed, and she could successfully take away the power the trauma had on her.
Acknowledging it’s a continuous process, Aishu thanks her counselor for giving her a way to work on herself internally and a safe space to express her deep-rooted thoughts.
Aishu rates herself 4 out of 5 in terms of feeling better, and we are pleased by her progress every step of the way.
Aishu’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Sometimes, life’s obstacles reveal how strong we are, so have faith and walk through them.”
2.“When things are bad, share with someone you trust, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.”
3.“Let go of the negatives in life and acknowledge the beautiful experiences.”
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