Ban, delete, shred, obliterate the words, “I am not good enough”
If there’s anyone whose inspirational story is an epitome of this quote by bestselling author, Karen Salmansohn, it would be Sukriti.
Sukriti Taneja, 20, is a B.Com Honours student at the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University. But her story starts much earlier. Sukriti had been a victim of terrible bullying in school. Now if you’re thinking if this is a rarity, think again.
According to a survey conducted in 2017, in India, a shocking 42% of students of classes 4 to 8 and 36% of students of classes 9 to 12, report being subjected to bullying and harassment.
The short term and long term effects of bullying are well studied and can include social isolation, symptoms of depression, severe anxiety, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, fall in academic performance, etc. When Sukriti first approached YourDOST in March 2019, she displayed quite a few of these signs, but was determined to overcome them.
Sukriti had been experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, and hadn’t been performing well academically. Things got a bit much for her to handle when she found her anxiety quite overwhelming because of some impending job interviews. Sukriti knew that she’d had enough and determined that it was time to got better. That’s when she booked an appointment with Mr. Aditya Sisodia, an accomplished career counselor and life coach with over 10 years of experience in the field.
At that time, I was seeking support for issues like my future career plans in career, as well as issues with my family and friends. I used to get angry at small things everyday and get irritated really quickly
In her first few sessions, Sukriti was very guarded and took her time to open up. The very first thing that Aditya noticed was her low confidence and self-esteem. He immediately knew what needed to be worked on. As Sukriti met with him for follow-up sessions, the ice began to thaw, and she started getting more comfortable with opening up and discussing her fears and concerns.
Sukriti was confused whether to pursue an MBA or an MA in Economics.
I was really confused about my career as to what I should do
She was also looking to write the CAT. But was anxious about what she would do if she didn’t score well in the exam.
Over the next few months, Aditya and Sukriti explored her past as well as her future plans. It made her more mindful and observant of her own actions and their impact on herself, something that had been difficult for her to do before. It was working. Everytime Sukriti met with Aditya, he noticed a remarkable improvement in her confidence and self-esteem. Sukriti noticed it too.
I started noticing myself. I started understanding my emotions and reactions to everything and tried to understand the reason behind them. I became more self confident also, than before
It has been almost a year now since Sukriti started her journey of self-realisation, self-improvement and healing, and she is definitely a better version of herself. A counseling skeptic to start with, she now firmly believes in the efficacy of counseling, as she continues her journey to become the best version of herself.
I didn’t really believe that counselling would help me. But afterwards I did realise that it was a safe space for me to share everything without feeling that someone was judging me
It’s not easy opening up about seeking professional help in a country like ours. Individuals like Sukriti help us fight the stigma of seeking help head-on, and the inspiration they provide is invaluable.
If you too are looking to become a better version of yourself, please know that we’re here for you. Talk to a YourDOST Expert today, for personalized guidance.
Many more such #YDWarriors decided to share their stories with us to inspire others. If you have also gone through a difficult phase and emerged stronger and better, share your contact details and we shall get in touch with you. Click here to share your details.
Sukriti’s Warrior Tips:
1. Be observant of your emotions and reactions and try to understand the reason behind them
2. Seek help when the going gets tough