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Independence Within

As India celebrated its 77th Independence Day with enthusiasm and pride, millions of hearts swelled with patriotism, and the Tricolor flew high against the azure sky. It's a day when the spirit of freedom reverberates through the nation, reminding us of the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that paved the way for our sovereignty. Yet, as we bask in the glory of our country's progress, we often overlook another form of independence – the liberation from our inner oppressors, our mental health issues. The question arises: why is it so crucial to break free from these chains that often remain hidden?


While we rejoice in our national freedom, it's imperative to recognize the invisible chains that hold us captive within. Mental health issues, much like the colonizers of the past, suppress and control us, often without us even realizing it. The shackles of anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and stress might not be visible, but their impact on our lives is profound. Anxiety breeds hesitation, depression dims our aspirations, and stress hampers our ability to enjoy the present moment. Amid our daily routines, these inner rulers manipulate our thoughts, emotions, and actions in subtle yet powerful ways. These inner oppressors limit our potential, deprive us of joy, and chain us to patterns that hinder growth. Our mental health issues, though intangible, exert a formidable influence over our lives. They seep into our thoughts, skew our perceptions, and control our behaviors.


Consider the ambitious individual whose anxiety convinces them to shy away from opportunities, the creative soul whose depression dims their passion, or the hardworking professional whose stress gnaws at their well-being. These mental oppressors pull the strings behind the scenes, dictating our choices and hijacking our joy.

Breaking free from these mental oppressors is not just a choice; it's a necessity. Imagine a life where your ambitions aren't stifled by self-doubt, your relationships flourish without the weight of anxiety, and your happiness isn't held hostage by stress. Inner liberation empowers us to reclaim our lives, embrace our authentic selves, and unlock the doors to our full potential.


But just as our forefathers fought for India's independence, we have the power to wage a battle against our internal oppressors. This struggle isn't fought with weapons but with self-awareness, compassion, and resilience. Seeking professional help, practicing mindfulness, and building a supportive network are ways to fortify ourselves against these intruders. As we address our mental health, we gradually dismantle the barriers they've erected.


Therapy- The Freedom Fighter Within Our Reach:

In this journey towards mental freedom, therapy emerges as our most potent freedom fighter. Therapy isn't merely a tool; it's a transformative process that equips us with the skills, insights, and resilience to dismantle the walls of our internal prisons. Just as our national freedom fighters united to conquer colonial rulers, therapy empowers us to unite with our therapists and face our inner demons head-on.


The Role of Therapy in Our Freedom Struggle:

  1. Self-Discovery: Therapy acts as a beacon of self-discovery, helping us unravel the layers of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It provides a safe space to explore the roots of our issues and understand their influence on our lives.

  2. Unraveling Patterns: Much like uncovering the strategies of a cunning adversary, therapy helps us recognize and challenge the negative patterns that perpetuate our mental distress. It enables us to rewire our responses and make healthier choices.

  3. Empowerment: Therapy imparts us with the tools to confront our fears, manage our stress, and foster resilience. It equips us with coping mechanisms that enable us to face challenges with a newfound sense of control.

  4. Supportive Alliance: Just as alliances bolstered the strength of our freedom fighters, the therapist-client alliance provides unwavering support. The therapist becomes our confidant, guide, and collaborator, walking beside us on the path to mental liberation.

  5. Holistic Healing: Therapy is not a mere patch; it's a holistic approach to healing. It addresses the underlying causes of our struggles, fostering lasting change and helping us build a foundation for mental well-being.

This Independence Day, as proud citizens of India, let's extend our celebration of freedom to our own minds. Let's declare our independence from the clutches of mental health issues and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Just as our nation's freedom was hard-won, our mental freedom demands dedication, effort, and the right resources. Therapy, as our freedom fighter, stands by us, assisting us in breaking the chains of our mental oppressors and fostering a life marked by authenticity, resilience, and joy. By nurturing our mental well-being, we honor the spirit of our nation's freedom fighters and contribute to a society that thrives not only in external liberty but also in inner liberation.


-Muskan Santwani



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Siddhida Kabara
Siddhida Kabara
Aug 16, 2023

Loved how you have equated therapy as a tool for freedom from mental health struggles!❤️

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