Trigger warning: Harassment
Anshitha (name changed) is 23 and studying for a master’s degree at the Manipal Academy of Higher Studies (MAHE) in Bangalore.
Anshita comes from a Bengali family and has lived in different places due to her father’s job while growing up. She was born and raised in Kolkata during her early childhood and lived in Bombay before settling in Bangalore during her ninth grade.
As a kid, she was shy and more interested in activities outside the classroom than academics, which changed when she grew up. Anshitha elucidates that her first circle of confidants is always her parents and younger brother.
“My parents are super awesome, and I’m close to them above everyone. They are like my best friends.”
She explained that her parents supported her every step of her creative career and academics. Although Anshitha chose a field of study that requires more time, she also always gives time to her other interests, such as dancing, painting, sketching, and reading books.
Being in a secure family with good friends, Anshitha shone in her academics, and her life went smoothly. However, she faced a complicated situation as she was sliding through life gracefully. Someone close to Anshitha misbehaved with her. This put her in an awkward position and felt overwhelming and confusing for her, says Anshitha.
“I knew I had to talk to someone, but I didn’t want that to be anyone from my circle as I didn’t want to worry them. At that time, my college had an introductory session about YourDOST in the meeting hall. I liked that it was anonymous, and the session options felt convenient.”
Anshitha booked the session with the available expert and shared her recent experience with the counselor. She explained that the counsellor was sweet and empathetic and gave her space to explain everything she felt.
“I have known this person for a long time, and pretending that nothing happened wasn’t something I could do. When I went to seek the professional, it was one of the best decisions I made.”
Anshitha elaborates that her counselor’s approaches were specific and solution-oriented. She adds that the counselor always made it a priority to know how Anshitha was feeling.
The therapist employed techniques like Guided imagination to keep her calm and make clear decisions about the next step. Since Anshitha had trouble sleeping, she was also asked to keep track of her sleep patterns and improve. As Anshitha already had the habits of journaling and tranquillity exercises, her counselor encouraged her to be more regular with them.
Getting everything out of her mind gave Anshitha a sense of relief and security. She adds that when she wanted to be annoyed, her counselor validated her emotions and allowed her to feel them.
“I knew what I wanted to do, but I was doubtful; with my counselor’s validation, I mustered the courage and conveyed everything to that person’s family member. Hurting them was never my intention, but I know I did the right thing.”
Anshitha explains that it was one of the difficult decisions she had to make, but due to therapy, she felt more confident about it. She says she feels grateful to her counselor for helping her through this challenging situation.
“I couldn’t even focus on my academics due to the incident; I was losing my mind with all the mixed emotions. My therapist helped me bring them all in control and find a way out. If I had the option, I would have given her a warm hug to show my gratitude.”
As Anshitha rates herself 4 out of 5 on how she feels, we are proud of her for being brave and inspiring to every woman of today!
Anshitha’s Warrior Tips:
1.“Being nice doesn’t mean pleasing people; learn to say ‘no’ when required.”
2.“Prioritise yourself, and it is not selfish.”
3.“Therapy should be compulsory in all schools and colleges, just like health checks; everyone can benefit from therapy.”
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