Trigger Warning:
This story discusses suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles.Disclaimer:
The names and identifying details of the clients in this story have been changed to maintain confidentiality. The client has given consent to share their story to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.****
The gentle hum of the ceiling fan was a steady backdrop to the quiet office that day. I lit a few candles to add warmth to the room, knowing that sometimes, even small comforts can make a big difference. As a psychologist, I’ve been in countless sessions, but today felt particularly poignant. Kavya, a new client, was about to walk in. Her friend, Reena, had urgently reached out to me, expressing deep concern for Kavya, who had been struggling with profound emotional pain and was experiencing thoughts of ending her life.
When Kavya walked through the door, she was hesitant and frail. Her eyes, shadowed by sleepless nights, were searching for something—maybe hope, maybe solace. I greeted her with a soft smile, hoping to offer some semblance of comfort.
"Hi, Kavya," I said, my voice warm and inviting. "I’m really glad you’re here. How are you feeling today?"
Her response came in a barely audible whisper. "I don’t know... I just feel... empty."
I could see the weight of her words in her posture. "It sounds like you’re carrying a heavy burden. I’m here to listen and support you. We can take this at your pace."
Kavya’s eyes met mine briefly, filled with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. "Reena, my friend," she began, her voice trembling, "she kept insisting I come here. She said I needed to talk to someone. I didn’t want to, but she wouldn’t give up."
It was clear how much Reena cared. "It’s wonderful to have a friend like Reena who is so concerned for you," I said gently. "You’re not alone in this."
A tear slipped down Kavya’s cheek. "She’s really the only one who seems to care. I feel like such a burden."
I leaned forward, my tone as empathetic as I could make it. "Feeling like a burden is something many people experience when they’re in pain. But I want you to know that those feelings don’t define your worth. I’m here to support you."
Kavya’s voice quivered as she continued. "I’ve been feeling like this for a long time. It’s like I’m stuck in a darkness I can’t escape. I’ve tried to push through, but lately, I’ve been thinking... maybe it would be better if I just wasn’t here anymore."
The gravity of her words hit me deeply, but I focused on staying calm and present. "Kavya, I’m really sorry you’ve been feeling this way. These intense feelings don’t have to last forever. There are ways to find light, even when it seems impossible."
She looked up, her eyes shimmering with tears. "But how do you find light when everything seems so pointless?"
"That’s an important question," I said softly. "Finding light often starts with small steps. The fact that you’re here, talking about your feelings, is a crucial first step. It’s the beginning of finding a way forward."
Kavya seemed to reflect on my words, her expression softening. "I’m not sure if I have the strength," she admitted.
"I believe you do," I reassured her. "Your presence here, sharing your pain, shows incredible strength. Together, we can explore ways to cope, find meaning, and rediscover hope. You don’t have to face this alone."
Kavya’s voice was barely a whisper. "I just don’t want to feel like this anymore."
"That’s a powerful place to start," I said with encouragement. "Wanting change is the first step towards it. It’s okay to be tired, but it’s also okay to fight for a different future. We’ll take this journey at your pace."
Over the following weeks, Kavya and I continued to meet. She slowly opened up about her struggles—her childhood experiences, the crushing weight of expectations, and the loneliness that grew after losing her job. Together, we worked through her emotions, confronting and challenging the negative thoughts that had taken root.
I introduced Kavya to grounding techniques and mindfulness exercises to help her stay connected with the present moment. With each session, she began to reconnect with herself and her surroundings, learning to challenge the harsh inner critic with kinder self-talk.
One day, Kavya entered the room with a different aura. She seemed lighter, her eyes carrying a spark of something they hadn’t before. "I did something yesterday," she said, her voice tinged with cautious optimism.
"What did you do?" I asked, sharing her smile.
"I went to the temple," she said. "I hadn’t been in years. I didn’t go to pray, but just to sit in the courtyard, to feel the breeze and listen to the sounds. For the first time in a long while, I felt... okay. Not great, but okay. And that’s something."
A wave of relief and joy washed over me. "That’s wonderful, Kavya. It sounds like you’re starting to find moments of peace and reconnect with the world around you."
Kavya nodded, her smile growing. "Yes, I think I am. I know there’s still a long way to go, but I’m beginning to see that maybe, just maybe, things can get better."
"I’m so proud of you," I said warmly. "You’ve made incredible progress. Remember, it’s about taking things one step at a time. Progress is what matters."
As Kavya left that day, she turned to me with a heartfelt smile. "Thank you for listening and helping me see that there’s more to life than the pain I’ve been feeling."
Watching her walk away, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Every day may not be perfect, and the path to healing isn’t always smooth, but witnessing moments like these—when someone finds a glimmer of hope in their darkest hour—makes all the difference.
**If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone.** At Minhance Wellness, we offer guidance, support, and resources for clients and their families to help navigate the journey toward healing. Remember, there is help, there is hope, and there is always a way forward. Reach out to us today to take the first step toward a brighter future. 🌟
Deep inside you are strong now you just have to find the courage to believe in yourself!
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