Childhood is the canvas on which the rest of our lives are painted. The vibrant, joyful, dark, and challenging colours and strokes of our early experiences shape our personalities and perspectives. Like tree roots, our childhoods anchor us to the ground, influencing our growth and the paths we choose to follow as we journey through life.
This is the story of Kanika, a 22-year-old who was a BA Honors student at Ahmedabad University.
Born and brought up in Ahmedabad, she lives with her family in the city she loves. Her family consists of her parents and two younger siblings. While she has a close relationship with her mother, her rapport with her father is not as strong, though it has improved over the years.
“Growing up, I faced a significant challenge with my weight. I was really fat”.
This led to bullying in school. It was like a real-life “Mean Girls” scenario, where the Plastics weren’t just in the movies.
Her mother encouraged her to join various activities, and Kanika immersed herself in tennis, guitar, and school activities, even becoming part of the student council.
Kanika’s journey continued when she graduated from Ahmedabad University with a degree in social and political science. Her hyperactive nature and desire to be involved in multiple activities defined her childhood.
While at the university, she learned about YourDOST, a mental health platform partnered with her institution. It was like finding her version of “Friends,” a support system she didn’t know she needed. Here, she met her counsellor, Ms Tanaya Dhok, who left a lasting impression on her.
“Tanaya never checked the time spent with me, unlike other therapists. This genuine presence and attentiveness made me feel truly heard.”
Initially, Kanika sought therapy to get a diagnosis of ADHD or to learn more about the disorder. However, her journey with therapy began during the pandemic when she experienced heightened anxiety and uncertainty.
“Things were much more turbulent, and I doubted the future. I couldn’t foresee what was going to happen.”
This uncertainty created a lot of anxiety in Kanika, and she was unaware of how to deal with it. Therapy became a space where she could explore various issues, including body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. It was a bit like going through the trials of a Hogwarts student, trying to find her place in a world filled with unknowns.
“The first panic attack that I ever experienced got me confused. However, after that, it just felt like an out-of-body experience.”
Despite trying to control it, everything around her seemed blurry and distant. Her therapist taught her several grounding techniques, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 rule and holding ice to help her focus.
“Ms Tanaya advised that if you’re having a panic attack, try to see where your feet are and focus on your body parts. It will help you calm down.”
Other methods, such as smelling something familiar, drinking water, or washing her face with cold water, also proved helpful. These techniques and therapy sessions gradually brought about positive changes in Kanika’s life. She learned to ground herself during episodes and gained the ability to reflect and introspect.
“Now, if I am in trouble, I can find answers within myself. Therapy helped me become more articulate and communicative about my feelings, which made it easier for others to acknowledge my struggles even if I didn’t seek their help.”
Kanika spent about six months and 15-plus sessions with Tanaya, for which she is immensely grateful.
“I would look forward to the sessions every week. Just Tanaya being present in the sessions and providing me with techniques I can use later on was invaluable.”
Today, Kanika rates herself 3.5 out of 5 for feeling better. For her, improvement means trying harder than before.
Kanika’s story is the epitome of diligence and patience and proves that even when good things take time, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We at YourDOST couldn’t be more proud of her and wish her all the best in the future!
Kanika’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Try to get through it one day at a time. You don’t have to do everything at once.”
2.“Consistency with yourself and your emotions doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be a step.”
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