It was almost the end of the workday. Most people had started logging off, but Nila was still sitting quietly at her desk.
Her colleague and friend, Kavya, noticed that she had been unusually quiet for the past few days.
Kavya: “Hey, Nila. You’re still here?”
Nila: “Yeah… I’ll leave in a bit.”
Kavya: “You’ve been really quiet lately. Is everything okay?”
Nila: “I’m fine. Just tired.”
Kavya paused.
Kavya: “You’ve said that a few times this week. Come, let’s get some coffee. We can sit for a while.”
A few minutes later, they were sitting outside the office.
Kavya: “You don’t have to tell me anything you’re not comfortable sharing. But you really don’t seem like yourself lately.”
Nila looked down at her coffee.
Nila: “I honestly don’t know what’s happening to me. Nothing major has happened, but I just feel… empty.”
Kavya: “Empty how?”
Nila: “It’s difficult to explain. Every day feels the same. I wake up, come to work, go home, scroll on my phone, sleep… and then it starts again. I don’t feel excited about anything anymore.”
She paused.
Nila: “Sometimes I feel lonely even when I’m around people. Sometimes I feel like I’m falling behind everyone else. And sometimes I’m just constantly stressed about work, family, and what I’m doing with my life. I don’t even know which one of these is making me feel this way.”
Kavya: “You don’t necessarily have to know the exact reason right now.”
Nila: “Lately, it has become worse. I’ve started feeling like there’s no purpose to anything. Sometimes I even feel like ending my life. And then I get scared of myself for thinking that.”
Kavya listened carefully.
Kavya: “I’m really glad you told me. You shouldn’t have to carry all of this alone.”
Nila: “I haven’t told anyone because people judge you when you say things like this. They might think I’m weak, dramatic, or just looking for attention.”
Kavya: “I don’t think you’re any of those things. You’re going through something difficult, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
Nila: “I’ve thought about talking to a psychologist, but I keep telling myself that I should be able to handle my own problems.”
Kavya: “We seek help when we’re physically unwell. Our mental health deserves the same care. And feeling empty can come from many different things loneliness, constant stress, insecurity, feeling stuck in a routine, difficult experiences, or sometimes deeper emotional struggles. You don’t have to figure out the reason by yourself.”
Nila: “But what if people find out?”
Kavya: “Seeking help isn’t something to be ashamed of. A mental health professional can give you a safe, non-judgmental space to understand what you’re feeling and help you find healthier ways to cope.”
Nila: “Maybe I really should talk to someone.”
Kavya: “Yes. You don’t have to figure everything out today. Let’s take one step at a time.”
Nila nodded.
Sometimes, a person may not be able to explain why they feel empty, overwhelmed, or disconnected. There may be one reason, or several things building up at the same time.
What matters is recognising when those feelings begin affecting everyday life and knowing that support is available.
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are signs of serious emotional distress. They should never be dismissed as attention-seeking or weakness.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional can be an important first step.
You don’t have to understand everything you’re feeling before asking for help. Sometimes, asking for help is the first step towards finding a way forward.
For any queries related to workplace wellbeing, please feel free to reach out to us.
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