Shrejata Das is a 22-year-old graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology – Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM), Dhanbad. She pursued her MSc Tech in Applied Geology.
She was born in Birbhum, West Bengal, and came from a family of five, which included her parents and grandparents. After her grandfather passed away, it has been just the four of them ever since.
Shreejata recalls that she used to be a social and extroverted person until she was six years old, but after that, she became quieter and more reserved. She started being more cautious about what she spoke to people.
“Everything about my personality changed after I grew up. Even in terms of hobbies, I used to be interested in dancing, singing and painting as a kid, but once I grew up, my interest shifted towards storybooks and knitting.”
Change wasn’t something new to Shreejata, but then she found herself in a bad phase during her college years. She describes them as ‘depressive episodes’ where she used to have no motivation to study. She explains that nothing used to bring her joy, and the things that made her happy didn’t have the same effect anymore.
Shreejata thought she had a physical condition of Arrhythmia, but the doctors found that her heart rate increased with no active triggers. Seeing her moods and her physical diagnosis, the physician suggested she consult a psychiatrist. Shreejata eventually got diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
When Shreejata joined her college, the management briefed the students about their tie-up with the YourDOST platform to provide counseling for the students. She recollected this and searched for more information on her college website.
Then, she went on the YourDOST platform and started connecting with the counselors available. She explains that it took a while for her to find the right expert, as most of them suggested she connect with a clinical psychologist, considering her condition. One of the counselors also mentioned that her moods were a symptom of bipolar disorder.
Shreejata took this feedback back to her psychiatrist, and upon careful examination, she was diagnosed with type-2 bipolar disorder.
Eventually, she began her sessions with the clinical psychologist, Ms Ananya Purakayastha, whom she felt was empathetic and had a strategic line of questioning that helped the sessions move forward.
The counselor taught her grounding methods, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, to help with her anxiety attacks, and a progressive relaxation technique to help her calm down in a stressful situation. She also encouraged Shreejata to start journaling and make some lifestyle changes, such as exercise and mindful eating, which can help improve her mood.
She elaborates that the therapist also suggested that she socialise more and gradually increase her human connections. All of these helped Shreejata control her anxiety issues, and the attacks reduced to a greater extent.
As she improved in her mood cycles and lifestyle, the counselor and she started focusing on her studies and concentration. They discovered that Shreejata also has ADHD, which they are working on currently.
“I’m extremely thankful to my counselor for listening to me and guiding me through each of the issues I had and for continuing to stand by me. It’s because of her, I’m improving slowly but steadily.”
As she continues to work on being happy and content with her life; she rates herself 4 out of 5. We believe in Shreejata and hope she becomes the confident and successful person that she desires to be.
Shreejata’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Therapy is a great way to improve your self-esteem.”
2.“When you need help, don’t hesitate to seek a therapist who can listen with empathy.”
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.
