Written by Chaithra Bhagavathi Parambu
“Your well-being is paramount and your journey is invaluable”
My name is Chaithra Girish. I completed my master’s in wildlife studies and am a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. Based in Kerala, India, I’ve found my calling in writing popular science articles, conducting webinars and seminars, and using these platforms to inspire change.
My story has been a journey of personal struggles, healing, and discovering a deep passion for conservation. The realization of conservation’s significance came to me during a particularly challenging period of my life. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I struggled with severe anxiety that made even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. For a long time, mornings felt like the toughest part of my day, marked by a debilitating nausea that made getting out of bed a struggle. My fear of food grew so intense that even the thought of eating became overwhelming. Despite numerous tests and consultations, my symptoms persisted.
A pivotal moment came when a doctor told me, ‘There’s absolutely nothing wrong with your intestinal system, it’s working perfectly fine, however, you are showing signs of stress and anxiety. Sometimes those can mess with your body in crazy ways, like the vomiting you have been going through. You need to focus on your mental well-being, and if we can get that under control, your body will likely follow suit’. This diagnosis marked the beginning of my journey towards healing.
I sought help from psychiatrists who prescribed medications and a psychologist whose sessions, though well-intentioned, left me feeling worse. Perfectionism and self-doubt only exacerbated my anxiety, leading to an eating disorder and a cycle of hair loss, weight loss, and frequent hospital visits. The situation reached a critical point one day in a shopping mall when I collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital. It was discovered that a combination of medications had overwhelmed my body. This crisis was a wake-up call—I realized that relying solely on medication wasn’t the solution. I needed a more holistic approach to recovery.
I turned to yoga and journaling, finding solace in practices that nurtured my mind and body. Writing, a passion I had cherished since childhood, became a crucial tool in my healing process. I began with poems and short stories, which helped me explore and express my emotions. Publishing a book of fiction further enriched my writing journey, offering new storytelling opportunities and reaching diverse audiences. As my well-being improved, I expanded my writing to include popular science articles, addressing critical topics such as climate change and biodiversity. This shift was transformative, allowing me to engage with broader issues and find a sense of purpose.
Simultaneously, I started conducting conservation education classes and webinars. These platforms enabled me to share my knowledge, connect with others, and drive positive change in the community. Through these efforts, I successfully merged my passion for writing with conservation. My articles and educational initiatives gained traction, contributing to environmental awareness and action. I graduated with first rank, published multiple works, and established myself as a voice in conservation education. Today, I continue to focus on conservation through writing and education. I conduct webinars and workshops to educate others about environmental issues and inspire proactive measures. My writing, once a means of personal healing, has become a powerful tool for advocacy and change. I am committed to using my skills to foster a deeper understanding of conservation and motivate others to take action.
The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout this journey is that nothing in the world is more important than your own well-being. Knowing there are many people out there like me, who sacrifice their happiness for academic and professional pursuits, I felt compelled to share my story. All of us need to understand the importance of self-care and maintaining a circle of love around us. Even on cloudy days, the sun finds a way to shine through. So, keep moving forward, but take care of yourself in the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, prioritize your mental health, and know that it’s perfectly okay to feel lonely. It’s perfectly okay to take a break when you need it, and it’s perfectly okay not to be okay.
For more of Chaithra, check out their X @ChaithraGirish5 or Linkedin profile.