Hi, I am a PhD student who was agonising from a very personal issue. I believe that I had a problem continuously pinging me. When you are devoted to some work (academics) & all of a sudden you start having some forceful distraction or peer pressure to think on (non - academic) many times one tends to de-rail from the path even though temporarily. Similar thing was happening to me. People told me that “do you really need treatment for such a simple matter!” But, I knew yourself better. Just like a sore throat may be taken for granted. But when it lasts for several days, we must relieve from it anyway, I too choose to consult a counsellor. Because of COVID protocols, I could not consult in-person. I had session virtually. I must thank my counsellor, Anisha Mathews for her support to me. She patiently explained to me that there are many pathways to get relief from a problem. The pathway varies from person to person. Both, nature of person and nature of problem are variable. She helped me by suggesting solutions for my problems. Her solution based approach was realistic not idealistic.

I would like to thank Ms. Anisha from the bottom of my heart for the sessions we had. Currently, I am much occupied with my PhD work that I am totally devoted to it. I am not thinking of anything else now and even if I do get distracted I have ways to get back on track. Ways which work for me.

I would strongly suggest all my fellow IITans to seek help instead of drowning into that dark side you feel. Do not hesitate to approach the right people as soon as you realise there is something bothering you, no matter how small it may seem to the world.