When the door to a long shut closet opens, paving the way for light and fresh air to move in freely, the fearful days and doubts vanish from the eyes. Gradually, the path of confidence and diligence unfolds to a brighter future, which can lead to a day of acceptance and love.
Meet our protagonist of the day, Himanshu (name changed), a 29-year-old who worked as a Brand Manager at Erulearning Solutions Private Limited.
Hailing from Faridabad, Himanshu recalls having a content and happy childhood in a modest family. Life was simple but filled with love and the occasional struggle, which taught him valuable lessons.
His schooling was done in the city, and he pursued his undergrad at Delhi University. Although his relationship with his family is now complicated due to incidents in the past few years, it is no different than any usual Indian family.
“I have had a very happy-go-lucky family of six. We had our own issues and struggles, but those struggles also teach you many things in life.”
Himanshu deeply loves theatre and storytelling, which he discovered during his school and college days. He enjoys painting, playing the ukulele, and socialising with friends. He is known as the life of the party because his jovial nature often lifts the spirits of those around him.
“I’ve always been the one to get everyone dancing at parties. It’s my way of spreading joy, even when things aren’t perfect.”
Himanshu first heard about YourDOST through his company, which partnered with the organisation as their official mental health partner. Seeking support after a breakup with his partner, Himanshu began therapy with Ms Ranjitha. The decision to seek help was driven by his need to navigate the complexities of his identity and personal relationships.
“I had just broken up with my partner and was struggling with accepting myself and the dynamics within my family. Talking to Ranjitha about coming out to my parents was something I focused on a lot during our sessions. I couldn’t have done it without discussing it so much with her.”
Coming out to his parents was a significant step for Himanshu. It was a journey laced with emotional challenges and required immense courage. Therapy provided him with a space to talk about his fears and hopes, which eventually gave him the strength to speak to his parents about his sexuality.
“I always wanted to come out to my parents, but I was terrified of their reaction. I got the clarity I needed after discussing it with Ms Ranjitha.”
In addition to his struggles with coming out, Himanshu faced other issues, such as regaining self-confidence and making career-related decisions. His non-confrontational nature often made it difficult to address these challenges head-on. Therapy helped him recognise these patterns and work towards improving them.
“Therapy wasn’t just about coming out. It was about dealing with suppressed emotions, rebuilding my confidence, and learning to communicate better.”
Himanshu found solace in journaling, which was a technique Ranjitha suggested. While he had a supportive group of friends, writing helped him process his thoughts when he felt isolated or misunderstood. Ranjitha also recommended maintaining physical health through proper nutrition, including taking multivitamins.
After each session, Himanshu felt lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Even when some sessions were emotionally intense, they were crucial in helping him understand and address his issues.
“After each session, I felt like a rock had been lifted off my chest. It was an emotional journey, but it made me realise how much more I needed to do to become my true self.”
Coming out to his parents was a big step, but it was only the beginning of a longer journey in his life. His parents struggled to accept his sexuality, and it seemed a long time before they got back on the road of understanding and acceptance.
“The lie I had been living for years was finally lifted. It was a relief, but it also brought new challenges. I had to help my parents understand and accept who I am.”
Himanshu is grateful for the support he received from Ranjitha and the therapists at YourDOST. They provided a non-judgmental space where he could express himself freely. This support helped Himanshu gain the confidence to come out to his friends and gradually accept himself.
“I couldn’t have done it without their support. Talking to someone who listened without judgment was incredibly comforting.”
In terms of feeling better, Himanshu rates himself 3.5 out of 5 and believes that improvement means fully accepting himself. His journey is ongoing, but he is optimistic about the future.
We at YourDOST believe Himanshu is on a path to greater self-acceptance and fulfilment. We wish him all the best in his journey ahead!
Himanshu’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Focus on your emotional well-being, and don’t shy away from seeking help.”
2.“Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and processing thoughts.”
3.“Building a support network is crucial; don’t hesitate to contact friends or therapists.”
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.
