8 months ago
UPSC Aspirant Shares Mental Health Struggles After 5 Years
Tejaswini, who spent five years preparing for the tough UPSC exam, shared her story of isolation and mental health struggles.
She followed advice to cut off from the world, which led to anxiety and depression.
Now, she feels lost and unsure about her future in the corporate world.
Experts say this is common and offer tips to help people readjust to normal life, like making friends again, setting small goals, and remembering they are more than just exam results.
Tejaswini spent 5 years preparing for the UPSC exam, isolating herself as advised, leading to mental health issues.
She now feels lost and uncertain about entering the corporate world without relevant skills or contacts.
Experts confirm that extended isolation can cause anxiety, depression, and loss of self-identity.
Reintegrating into normal life after intense exam preparation can be challenging and may cause guilt or emptiness.
Experts recommend rebuilding balance, shifting perspective, reconnecting socially, setting small goals, seeking mentorship, and redefining identity to cope with the transition.
- Who
- Tejaswini, a UPSC aspirant, and mental health experts
- What
- Tejaswini's experience of mental health struggles after 5 years of UPSC preparation and experts' advice on coping
- Where
- India
- When
- After 5 years of preparation, Tejaswini decided to share her story
- Why
- To raise awareness about the mental health impact of competitive exam preparation and provide coping strategies
Key facts
- Exam
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
- Annual Applicants
- 10-14 lakh (1-1.4 million)
- Aspirant's Preparation Time
- 5 years
- Mental Health Impact
- Isolation, anxiety, depression, identity loss
- Expert Advice
- Rebuild balance, shift perspective, reconnect socially, set small goals, seek mentorship, redefine identity
Quotes
Mehezabin Dordi
Clinical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai
“When individuals withdraw from social connections, they lose important sources of emotional regulation, perspective, and support. Over time, this can lead to heightened anxiety, low mood, irritability, and even symptoms of depression”
indianexpress.com
“This uncertainty often triggers self-doubt or impostor syndrome- the feeling that one doesn’t truly belong or isn’t good enough. The lack of clear feedback or structured validation can further amplify these doubts”
indianexpress.com
Dr Divya Shree K R
Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore
“Many aspirants start questioning their abilities and lose touch with hobbies or relationships that once gave them joy. The pressure to meet family or social expectations can also increase feelings of guilt and stress. Over time, self-identity becomes centred around the exam and not clearing it may feel like a personal failure rather than just an academic one”
indianexpress.com
“Understanding that success in such exams does not define one’s value, and focusing on overall growth and mental well-being, can help protect self-worth during the journey”
indianexpress.com
Tejaswini
A UPSC aspirant who quit after five years of preparation
“Mereko sabne bola tha UPC ki preparation karni hai to duniya se alag ho jao, isolate ho jao. Friends ko chorhdo, bahar jana chorh do, ghumna chorh do and maine kiya bhi tha bahut time tak kiya tha until it actually got to me aur mereko therapy me bahut zyada effort karna pada khud ko normal karne k liye. Now, after 5 years of preparation, mereko corporate me ghusna hai. I have no skillset, no contacts. I have nothing”
indianexpress.com
