“Every adventure requires a first step.” – Cheshire Cat, “Alice in Wonderland.”
Regaining confidence is like embarking on a hero’s journey. Like Harry Potter discovering his courage at Hogwarts, we must face our own “Dementors” of self-doubt and insecurity. It takes time, support, and small victories to rebuild that lost self-belief. Whether it’s through reconnecting with our passions, seeking guidance, or simply believing in our own magic, the path to confidence is paved with resilience and the courage to take that first step.
Meet Priyanjana, a 20-year-old Bachelor of Product Design student at Anant International University.
Hailing from Assam, Priyanjana’s healing journey is inspirational and welcoming to anyone going through similar circumstances.
As a single child, she enjoyed a close bond with her parents, who filled her life with joy and companionship.
“I don’t have siblings, but my parents were like siblings to me. They made sure I never felt alone.”
From a young age, Priyanjana was passionate about dancing, singing, and sketching.
“From when I was three, I liked dancing, singing, and sketching. Out of the three, I liked sketching the most. That’s why I chose to design as my career path.”
Her love for sketching eventually led her to pursue a degree in Product Design.
Priyanjana first heard about YourDOST from her college, the organisation’s official mental health partner. Feeling the need for support, she sought counselling from Ms Heba Ahmed.
“She was really understanding and empathic. Some things are hard to explain with words, but she understood me without asking too many questions.”
The primary reason Priyanjana sought therapy was due to an incident in class 10th.
“I went to a music competition and got distracted, which affected my scores. I scored less than normal, and my parents were heartbroken because they expected me to score above 90%.”
This disappointment led to a tense atmosphere at home, and some comments made her feel less confident.
“I felt like my passions for singing and dancing were the reasons I failed to score well, so I stopped pursuing them altogether.”
Feeling like Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls” when she didn’t get into Harvard, Priyanjana found herself at a crossroads, and her parents’ high expectations felt like a heavy burden.
Priyanjana also struggled with sleep issues. Ms Heba advised her to engage in activities she enjoyed before bedtime.
“She told me to practice or do whatever I like for 10 minutes before bed to help me fall asleep. She also recommended journaling, listening to music, and doing deep breathing exercises to manage my anxiety.”
The positive changes Priyanjana experienced were profound.
“Before therapy, I wasn’t socialising much with people around me. But I got better and started talking to my friends. My relationship with my parents also improved.”
Talking to Ms Heba helped Priyanjana feel more confident and less anxious about her future. She is grateful for her support and thanked her through her story.
“I want to thank her for being with me through it all. She helped me see things differently and find my confidence again.”
Priyanjana rates herself a 4 out of 5 for feeling better. Improvement means feeling confident again and believing in herself.
We at YourDOST are confident that Priyanjana is on the path to a brighter future, and we wish her all the best in her endeavours!
Priyanjana’s Warrior Tips:
1. “Reach out for help when you need it. It’s okay not to feel confident all the time.”
2. “Everything you feel within yourself is normal. Allow yourself to experience your emotions fully.”
3. “Don’t overwhelm yourself with emotions. Find healthy ways to process and manage them.”
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.
