Meet Maneesha, a resilient 29-year-old, currently residing in the lush landscapes of Kerala, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’.
Born and brought up in the UAE, Maneesha spent her early years battling multiple health issues that often kept her away from school and regular social activities. She used to be kind and calm during her childhood, a personality that gradually evolved as life threw challenges her way.
The transition to adulthood came with layered emotions, as Maneesha navigated not just her physical well-being but also the psychological impact it had over the years. After moving to India for her undergraduate studies and then stepping into the professional world, she found herself facing recurring emotional turbulence.
She was also undergoing some treatments for her health issues that were prolonged for more than two years. These restricted her movements and social life as she had to stay home all those years. The years of unresolved stress, isolation, and underlying mental strain began taking a toll.
“I didn’t know the name of it back then, and I was confused whether it was anxiety or Depression or Something else. All I knew was that it was growing worse every year, and it altered my memory and attention span as well.”
The culmination of these feelings eventually affected Maneesha and put her in a vulnerable state. She began to notice the impact it was having not just on her, but also on those around her.
It was during this phase that Maneesha came across YourDOST. What started as an emergency midnight session turned into a meaningful experience.
“I was having a challenging situation that night and needed some answers. The expert I spoke to really listened and dealt with me beautifully. It meant a lot.”
Maneesha didn’t stick with a single counselor throughout her journey, as her therapists varied over time. However, the essence of each interaction remained powerful. She explains that the counselors listened to her carefully while giving her a solution-oriented approach.
She adds that they also used to meticulously identify the variations in her emotions and nudge her towards expressing them. Maneesha felt seen by this, and she felt comfortable showing her vulnerability as she believed the sessions were her safe space. Gradually, she began to manage her anger issues and worked on her overwhelming emotions.
“I was someone who would vent my anger on my family, especially my husband, and I would feel guilty later. After the sessions, the frequency of repeating this pattern came down.”
Maneesha notes that one of her most recent sessions stands out vividly in her memory. After the tragic passing of her cousin’s brother, Maneesha found herself spiralling emotionally once again. She kept crying every day, and she just couldn’t stop.
Assuming she had relapsed and gone back to square one, she reached out for help. Her counselor calmly told her she was experiencing grief and that it was normal. That reassurance alone helped her begin healing again.
Though Maneesha has transitioned to offline therapy, her appreciation for the platform remains heartfelt.
“Even a small percentage of change was a huge help for me. I reached out at my lowest point, and they helped me transition from my worst state to a functional one. That matters.”
As she works on appreciating and valuing herself more, she rates herself 2 out of 5. Her journey is a reminder that resilience is not loud, but often found in quiet steps, as she stays with the process even when the path feels uncertain.
We are proud to say that Maneesha’s voice may be soft-spoken, but her strength roars through every word she shares. We wish her success in every part of her future journey.
Maneesha’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Speak up, even when it’s hard. The first step is acknowledging that you’re struggling and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
2.“IDon’t let ignorant opinions define your journey. What matters is your healing.”
3.“Therapy isn’t weakness; it’s strength.”
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.
