Romantic relationships are where we bury ourselves emotionally into our partners. It gives us purpose and opportunity for most of us to grow and plant ourselves.
Handling romantic relationships was a relatively new experience for our warrior Anurag. He is 24 years old and is pursuing his PhD from a national institute. Anurag grew up and spent most of his childhood and youth in Farakpur, West Bengal.
He moved to Delhi for his Post-graduation, and upon completion, he shifted to another city to pursue his PhD in Physics.
Anurag has a mixture of activities he enjoys doing like reading, listening to music and playing badminton. Having been somebody who earnestly follows a routine and exercises, he prefers to be healthy and take good care of himself.
Anurag elucidates how he was always an obedient student and would always concentrate in class. He maintains a disciplined and healthy life.
However, things altered for Anurag when he experienced his first flame of love.
He speaks of the ups and downs he faced in his 12 months of relationship and how he has grown into the person he is today.
“Everything sailed smoothly until my partner’s family figured out about our relationship. They pressured her to stop talking to me and wanted us to break up.”
This took a toll on Anurag’s mental health. He describes how the emotional turmoil he underwent affected him physically as well.
“I remember having suffered from indigestion and used to feel nauseous every time I pondered upon our memories together.”
Anurag sought therapy after his institution partnered with YourDOST. He believed he needed somebody to speak to who he could rely on.
“I was insecure about my break-up and felt that disclosing it to everybody would leave me looking like a laughing stock.”
He was looking out for trustworthy people and this was when he met with his counselor Sharmili Ghosh.
“Sharmili is a unique person and a very patient listener. She is also very compassionate and made me realise my emotions and from where they spurred”
Anurag described how before seeking therapy with YourDOST, he would cry and discuss with his handful of friends, who he most trusted.
He feels it is always a gamble discussing our hardships with our friends. It can be misused leaving us hostile in most cases.
Anurag mentions how making the right kind of friendship was essential for him to deal with his mental health.
Anurag’s transformation was concrete as he says he is a better person now who is maturely handling his emotions. His pain has reduced drastically after conversing with his counselor.
He is a more confident person now, especially after handling his break-up and wishes happiness and health for his ex-partner.
On the bright side, Anurag’s situation has helped him identify a more calm, mature and confident version of himself.
“My counselor Sharmili, suggested I jot down my thoughts in a journal and imagine myself sitting in front of her and just speaking things out in front of a mirror every time something got difficult.”
It helped Anurag revitalise his emotional energy and stay afloat with his mental health.
Hope is like the butterfly that hangs on to the horse’s back. It can take you far when you lay weak. The world needs hope and empathy for a brave new future.
Anurag feels that he is more upfront with his emotions now. Anurag rated himself a 3.5 on 5 in terms of his progress and we know he is already on his path to betterment.
Anurag’s Warrior Tips:
1. It is vital to give importance and concentrate equally on mental health like how we would on our physical health.
2. There is always hope despite how hard things may seem. Hold on to that.