“Sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you’re worthy of the trip.” – Glenn Beck
Emotional stress and inner turmoil can feel like the tumultuous storm in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” filled with chaos and conflict. It can also be as isolating as Frodo’s journey in “The Lord of the Rings,” where every step forward feels uncertain, and the weight of past burdens makes the path seem endless. Yet, amid these struggles, there lies a profound opportunity for healing and growth through self-care and support.
Prashant Veer, a 26-year-old from Batala, Punjab, tells us about his journey through pain and healing he experienced on his path till today.
Prashant, currently pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Dharwad, specialising in 3D printing and Metal Additive Manufacturing. He completed his schooling and college education in his hometown and went on to earn a Master’s degree with a gold medal from the President, from Panjab University.
Growing up, he faced significant challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age and the ensuing family conflicts. His mother, who raised him single-handedly, became his pillar of strength amidst these hardships.
“My childhood was pretty rough due to my parents’ age difference and their frequent conflicts. These regular conflicts and a constant reminder about my parent’s conditions made me doubt myself. My father’s aloof nature towards me was even more hurtful. His court cases and disappearance for weeks scared me as a child, with a single mother all alone in the house.“
Despite these challenges, he found solace in books, music, and sports. An introvert by nature, Prashant spent most of his time reading and listening to music. He even received classical music training during his childhood and became a national karate champion with a brown belt.
“All this was to channel my energies and not think about the conditions at home. Now I just go for a walk or read a book to calm down.”
During his second year at IIT Dharwad, Prashant’s struggles intensified. He noticed posters about YourDOST, a mental health platform partnered with his institute, but avoided seeking help for the first six months.
“Things went bad in the 2nd semester, so I decided to go for therapy for my much-deserved mental peace.”
Prashant’s counsellor, Diya Biswas, made a lasting impression from their very first session.
“She is a very nice person, and she helped me understand that I should tackle one problem at a time and go slow.”
Prashant sought therapy to address the deep-seated issues that began from his childhood and the subsequent trauma after his father’s death.
“My parents had a significant age difference, leading to frequent conflicts. From a very young age, I heard discussions I shouldn’t have. This threw me into self-doubt, but my mother supported me. The issues escalated to the point where the sanctity of relationships was not honoured.”
When his father passed away during his 10th grade, Prashant was thrust into a series of property-related legal battles between relatives. The way people changed made him not trust anyone. This personal baggage affected his relationships as well when he joined college.
Moving away from his hometown to a new environment initially felt like a success.
“The new situation made me think that I succeeded in my way, but after a few years, I realised I didn’t want my own people to suffer because of my issues. That’s when I decided to take therapy.”
Through his sessions with Diya, Prashant engaged in various techniques and activities to manage his emotions.
“She introduced me to breathing exercises for overthinking and creating mental scenarios, as well as journaling to let my thoughts out. I feel it’s just the beginning of my healing journey.”
These practices helped him observe and analyse his thoughts more objectively, leading to positive changes in his life.
“I used to pity myself a lot, and though I still do occasionally, it has decreased significantly. There are days when I am down, but the time I used to take to bounce back has shortened. I have started taking care of myself and discovering my strengths.”
Prashant expresses immense gratitude for Diya’s unwavering support.
“She is not at all judgmental, and that’s extremely important. Sometimes even therapy starts tiring me, but she has been extremely welcoming and comfortable with me. I couldn’t thank her enough for what she’s done for me.”
Reflecting on his progress, Prashant rates his improvement as 4 out of 5. For him, improvement means a continual process and he is determined to work for it for a long time. His story is a testament to the transformative power of therapy, highlighting the importance of seeking help when needed.
Prashant’s journey from feeling isolated and overwhelmed to finding clarity and strength is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with similar issues. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward.
We at YourDOST are proud to be a part of Prashant’s journey and wish him continued growth and success in the future!
Prashant’s Warrior Tips:
1.“We start to look for solace outside, but your biggest supporter is you. So work on yourself for your own betterment.”
2.“Do not be sceptical about asking for help. You’ll be provided with help once you ask for it.”
