On Wednesday 17th April 2024, HCI hosted an interesting interactive session on the topic of Healing Through Expression: Embracing the Power of Artistic Therapy with Haider Jasdan.
Over the years, I had known this name Haider Jasdan and seen him at 2 or 3 social meets/events – but never really talked to him. Felt it would be interesting to know more about a mystery called Haider Jasdan. I finally joined the session a bit late along with the eager audience of around 12-14 HCI members.
Haider talked about his own battles with mental health , in the years when he used to suppress his feelings. Subjected to bullying during his academic years, he dealt with a lot and the situation just kept getting worse.
Eventually having reached the limits of his bearing capacity, he sought professional help. There was some progress, but the situation seemed to be just lingering on.
He was encouraged to start writing whatever he felt like during a counselling session. From insignificant, incoherent words , through persistence, he went on to write poetry and discovered his comfort zone and passion.
Realising the gravity of the problem, the family finally (though somewhat late in the day) became a good support system for him.
With this ability to express his feelings through writing poetry and art ( dramatics on stage) coupled with support from home, professional counselling and medication, he was able to deal with his mental illness much more effectively.
He was inspired by his recovery and thought of finding his own way of helping others.
Haider Jasdan is now a Professional Counselor himself!
After sharing his experience, there was a short interactive Q&A session. His composure was hard to believe, considering the struggles he had been through.
Will strongly suggest Haider’s presence (whenever he can make it) as an audience during the HCI online meet so that he can enlighten us with his inputs on the same from time to time.
Thanks to Haider Jasdan from everyone at the HCI!
– Written by Sanjay Thakur
– Edited by Mahrukh