In a world where societal norms have often conditioned us to downplay the significance of mental health struggles, one individual’s harrowing journey through depression, anxiety, and a litany of other challenges stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This is the story of Krittika Agnihotri, a 20-year-old student of psychology who runs an NGO, which showcases her perseverance, pain, and ultimate transformation into an advocate for those still caught in the throes of her battles.
As Krittika opened up about her life to Life Beyond Numbers, she shared, “I saw a student who had come for therapy while I was interning, a person who had painstakingly saved for half a year, just for the chance to be heard. At that moment, I felt the weight of the student’s struggle. I decided right then and there to dedicate my life to helping those grappling with mental health issues, ensuring they receive the solace they deserve through affordable therapy sessions.”
But what made her empathize so profoundly with the student? It was her own tumultuous journey. Growing up, Krittika experienced a reality that many of us would find difficult to fathom. Undiagnosed mental health conditions, including depression, became insidious companions of her at the tender age of 8. She had felt the harsh sting of bullying, a torment that drove her to binge eating- an attempt to find solace and escape the cruelty of her peers.
The struggle was exacerbated by learning difficulties at school, which steadily eroded Krittika’s confidence and self-esteem. But the harshest blow came at the age of 12 when her schoolteacher sexually harassed her, and the school decided to stand by the teacher. Krittika plunged into deeper sadness and despair. This incident served as a painful reminder of how the vulnerability of youth can be exploited and how society often fails to protect them.
At 17, Krittika found herself trapped by the darkness once more. Her confidence waned, and she resorted to binge eating, gaining a staggering 30 kilograms in just six months.
In a courageous effort to address her mental health, Krittika decided to seek therapy at the age of 18, but the hardship continued. As therapy began to work its magic, she faced mounting disagreements with her parents. Amid one such heated argument, she took a dangerous step and overdosed on anti-depressants. Thankfully, she survived, but this harrowing episode highlighted the desperate need for moral support during these trying times. It was a turning point that left her feeling even more devastated and rejected.
Tragically, the incident led to her being rejected from the therapy she so desperately needed, a cruel blow that deepened her sense of hopelessness. She was forced to abandon a lifeline that had offered her glimpses of relief and healing.
Despite the hardships and setbacks, she eventually found solace in medication and the unwavering support of her family. Her journey, though fraught with despair, ultimately led her to a place of healing and recovery. Today, she stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a survivor of a battle fought not in the open but within the confines of her mind.
But her story does not end there. Instead, it has inspired her to take action and make a difference in the lives of others facing similar struggles. From her trials, she has emerged as the founder of Unwind, an NGO with a noble mission: to make mental health support more affordable and accessible to everyone. Her goal is clear – to ensure that individuals seeking help can access it more swiftly than she was able to.
Unwind, under her leadership, is a beacon of hope for countless individuals grappling with mental health challenges.
Unwind is a testament to her unwavering determination to break the silence surrounding mental health. The NGO’s goal is straightforward yet profoundly impactful: to make mental health support more accessible and affordable to everyone. Through her journey, she has seen the gaping holes in the system, where individuals often suffer in silence or face insurmountable obstacles on the path to healing.