Ankita is an experienced educator with a decade of experience under her belt. She’s passionate about reading and has a knack for teaching, which she uses significantly in her role as centre head at BYJUs. She truly loves what she does.
Ankita’s family consists of her loving father, mother and younger brother. But things took a turn when an unexpected incident changed the whole course of her life. She had lost her father.
When she lost her father, she not only lost a beloved family member but also a source of security and support. The loss of her safety net led to financial instability, which only added to the difficulty of adjusting to life without her father’s presence. It was a challenging time, filled with grief and uncertainty.
As Ankita grew up, she gained valuable experience and perspective, but her life took an unexpected turn. Despite having a younger brother, she faced an unforeseen challenge.
Society can often compound the challenges we face by imposing its expectations and standards. The added stress and tension can make an already difficult situation even more complicated.
“My mother doted on my brother, giving him special privileges that I never received. As the only girl in the family, I felt overlooked and undervalued. I couldn’t understand why there was such a difference.”
The side effects of the patriarchy hit hard on Ankita. She had a lot of things that were going around.
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – John Dalberg Acton.
Ankita’s brother used his status as the only male in the family to exert control and dominance in unhealthy and abusive ways. This included both physical and emotional abuse, which had a devastating impact on Ankita.
The mental and physical assault pressed on her confidence. Ankita became underconfident, and her self-esteem split in half. Living in an abusive environment can be troublesome you never know what will trigger an outburst of emotions or violence.
The relentless abuse left her feeling like a bird with broken wings, trapped in a cage of her own making. The vulnerability she felt was all-consuming, and she despaired for any escape. In her darkest moments, she wondered if the only way out was to take her own life.
“Eventually, I stood up for myself and gathered the courage to speak up. I stood against the abuse and refused to suffer silently. I decided to focus on my well-being.”
Ankita’s escape from the abusive situation was a triumph but it came at a cost. Her mother, who had been a bystander to the abuse, became the new target of her brother’s toxic behaviour. It was a devastating turn of events, and Ankita felt both relief and anguish.
Ankita’s work became a haven from the rough storm of her personal life. Its familiar patterns offered comfort and stability, allowing her to weather the emotional turmoil at home. While it didn’t solve all her problems, work provided a small beacon of light in the darkness.
The physical exhaustion began taking its toll. Ankita began experiencing severe health issues. The emotional strain of her situation led her to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as irregular eating and sleeping patterns. It only helped her escape for a short term, it only made things worse in the long run.
“Seeking help is a crucial step towards personal growth, and I’m glad I learned that lesson, even if it took some time. I now realise how important it is to turn to experts when we need support. I also encourage others to seek help when they need it.”
Ankita’s choice to pursue therapy was a turning point in her life. She was fortunate that her organisation worked with YourDOST to support the mental health of their employees. She connected with Ms Aakriti Mathur for counseling and has never looked back.
Ankita had found a safe space to share her pain and emotional trauma. She felt that Ms Aakriti’s empathetic ear and steady support gave Ankita the strength she needed to face the challenges ahead.
Ms. Aakriti recommended several exercises, including visualisation, eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing, self-motivation, and positive affirmations. These techniques helped her regain that lost self-confidence.
“I will forever be thankful to Ms. Aakriti for doing such a wonderful job. With her help, I never felt like I was facing my struggles alone. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I have grown and evolved as a result.”
While the issues at Ankita’s home have not disappeared, she has learned to manage them more healthily. She has gained a better understanding of picking the right battles and stepping back when needed. Her emotional equilibrium improved, and her self-confidence soared. The journey was far from over, but she was emerging as a stronger, more resilient person.
Ankita rates herself an excellent 4 out of 5 in terms of getting better post-therapy. She had felt as though her wings were damaged, but through time and care, they had healed and grown stronger. Now, she is ready to spread her wings and soar high above the clouds.
Ankita’s Warrior Tips:
1.“We always presume and take actions on our own. We consider it as a phase of life which is engulfing you inside. We need to understand that we need to seek expert help in such situations.”
2.“Experts not only help you overcome your difficulties, they help you understand yourself from within which is very important.”
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