Finding Peace on the Court
Growing up in a South Indian household, there was a constant, unspoken pressure to excel academically.
The desire to succeed, coupled with my determination to give 100% to every commitment, gradually manifested as anxiety. It was difficult for me to express these struggles to my parents because mental health was never a topic of open conversation at home. I often felt isolated and alone in my anxiety, unsure of how to cope.
I grew up playing competitive sports, but basketball quickly became my passion. I fell in love with every aspect of the game — the rush of adrenaline during a tight match, the drive to succeed, and the sheer joy of winning. Basketball turned into my escape, a way to channel my anxiety and push aside all the worries that weighed me down. The court became my safe haven.
As I learned to detach from my triggers, my anxiety became increasingly manageable. Now in college, even though I no longer play competitive basketball, sports remain my go-to for managing anxiety. There's still nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto the court after a long, stressful day — the fresh air and physical activity always bring me a sense of relief and clarity.