In the heart of IIT Kanpur, amidst the pursuit of academic enlightenment, Vishnu, a 23-year-old PhD student, paints a vivid tapestry of resilience and determination. Hailing from the panoramic landscapes of Kerela, Vishnu’s journey has been adorned with unique challenges as a visually impaired individual navigating the rigorous corridors of academia.
Despite the hardships, he pursued an integrated English course at IIT Madras, unveiling a tenacious spirit that defied the constraints imposed by society’s harsh norms. His childhood, shrouded in the unforgiving rigidity of rural life, often cast shadows of misunderstanding upon his family, creating a tumultuous backdrop to his formative years.
“Growing up it was difficult for my parents to always cater to my needs. Our society is rigid when it comes to parenting and they believe in a set process and anything that appears new to them would not be something that they accept immediately.”
In the pursuit of education, Vishnu waded through the scarcity of quality resources, a poignant reminder of the systemic barriers that oftentimes test the resolve of individuals like him. It was during his tenure at IIT Madras that a fortunate encounter with counseling became a pivotal chapter in his transformative journey.
As the world grappled with the seismic impact of the pandemic, Vishnu found solace in self-retrospection, unearthing poignant realizations about the haunting echoes of his childhood.
“The pandemic hit and we were asked to vacate from our campus. I used this time to work on myself but this turned against me. I ended up blaming myself and my parents for what happened to me.”
The decision to seek therapy was not solely a personal endeavour but a communal embrace, fostered by the unwavering encouragement of his friends and the benevolent partnership with YourDOST, IIT Madras’s stalwart mental health ally.
Vishnu tenderly nurtured aspirations of fortifying his self-esteem, a resolute yearning to unearth his inner strength amid the shadows of internal turmoil. Despite his initial tryst with therapy within the institute, he sought the encompassing embrace of a more seasoned professional.
The convulsion within him raged, characterised by the insidious tendrils of guilt and the harrowing descent into self-harm, a torment that warranted urgent medical attention.
“The path of blaming oneself is a dark one and I sought residence there as things around me just seemed to get complicated day by day.”
It was within this achingly vulnerable juncture that Vishnu found solace in the compassionate counsel of Ms.Kishna, a beacon of empathy and practicality. Their conversations, adorned with solution-oriented wisdom, kindled sparks of hope and resilience within his spirit, imparting him with the tools to navigate the complexities that coiled around his being.
Enveloped in the cradle of mindfulness, journaling, and breathing techniques, Vishnu began to curate a sanctuary of healing within the depths of his dappled soul. This tapestry of therapeutic activities became the gentle artillery that fortified him, guiding him towards the path of self-reflection and heightened awareness. Through the gentle strokes of journaling, Vishnu embarked on a profound excavation of his thoughts, recognizing the relentless patterns that had ensnared his spirit.
“This technique opened my eyes, and I was able to build a better connection with myself.”
He reflected a testament to the kaleidoscopic wisdom that nestled within the confines of his counseling experience.
The divine orchestration of transformation bore the tender fruits of catharsis and resilience, a testament to the interwoven tapestry of his family, friends, and the guardians of healing at YourDOST.
Vishnu confessed that it was through their unwavering presence that his battle-weary spirit found renewal and fortitude, for which he remains eternally grateful. As he emerged from the crucible of therapy, he adorned the realm with warrior tips, bidding others to never wade alone in the recesses of despair.
“Always remember to talk to somebody if you feel low. Don’t hesitate talking about the problem,” he implored, an anthem that seeks to dissolve the stigma that shrouds mental health, becoming a lighthouse of hope for those who tread a similar path.
Vishnu’s journey pulsates with an unwavering beacon of resilience, inspiring a cultural shift that illuminates the transformative power of therapy. His radiant spirit beckons forth a new dawn, where seeking help is normalized, and healing becomes an anthem of self-celebration and restoration.
Vishnu’s Warrior Tips:
1.”Therapy is one small step for you but is a massive step towards your improvement.”
2.”Therapy opens the door to understanding, acceptance, and a brighter tomorrow.”
Team YourDOST
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