Reyansh
From “I Want to Die” to “I Want to Be Understood”
Twelve-year-old Reyansh from Y.B Public School (a low-resource budget school), in migrant-dominated northeast Delhi had always been the quiet type. He rarely spoke in class, kept to himself, and spent most of his time alone. Teachers thought he was just shy. But the results of Reyansh’s mental well-being screening carried out as part of the TeenBook Student Well-Being Program told a different story.
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Reyansh was identified as a high-risk case, meaning his screening responses indicated severe emotional distress and an urgent need for support. He was invited for a Psychological First Aid (PFA) session by our team of experts, where, for the first time, he opened up about what he was really feeling. He admitted to having thoughts of suicide not because he wanted to die, but because he felt invisible.
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He shared how scoldings at home, especially over his poor performance in maths, made him feel like a constant disappointment. He believed he wasn't good enough. That no one really saw him.
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When the counselor asked what made him feel better, Reyansh said softly, “I like drawing.” That quiet confession became a turning point.
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In his next session, Reyansh brought a few of his sketches. His eyes lit up as he shared them. The counselor praised his work. For the first time in a long time, he felt seen. Encouraged by this small moment, Reyansh began spending more time drawing and sharing his art on his YouTube channel.
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Back home, his mother, who earlier didn’t think much of his hobby, started noticing and appreciating his drawings. That simple act of recognition and praise changed everything. Our parent engagement sessions had encouraged families to support their children’s emotional well-being, and it began to show.
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His father, once quick to anger, had a softer response when Reyansh struggled again. He said, “Samajh ke padho maths, thoda concentrate karo aur teachers ki help lo” (Study maths with focus, concentrate a bit, and take help from your teachers). That change in tone made Reyansh feel supported, not judged.
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That one sentence, spoken with patience instead of frustration, became a bridge.
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Reyansh started spending more time with his family. He now plays Ludo with his father after dinner. His mother takes him for evening walks where he chats with neighbors and enjoys small talk. He’s even doing push-ups and light exercises, signs of growing self-worth.
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He now says every child should get this kind of support, not just those who cry out loud, but especially those who suffer quietly. This help should reach other children too, he insists.
