Prateik Smita Patil reveals he once broke a TV set and was ‘ashamed’ for not having his parents in his life: ‘I overdosed a couple of times, and rehab didn’t work for me’

Prateik also spoke about struggling with drug addiction, being labelled and isolated by society, and eventually seeking help: “I overdosed a couple of times, and rehab didn’t work for me… I was ashamed of my family situation and not having parents with me.”

How can unresolved grief in children manifest as destructive behaviour?

Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “Unresolved grief in children often manifests as destructive behavior because children lack the emotional vocabulary and coping mechanisms to process complex feelings like loss, abandonment, or sadness. When a child experiences grief, especially related to parental absence or trauma, it can trigger intense emotions such as anger, frustration, and confusion. These feelings may be expressed externally through tantrums, aggression, or destruction of property, as in Prateik’s case with the TV set.”

 

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Gursahaney adds that some healthy ways adults can support children include providing consistent emotional availability, validating their feelings without judgement, and teaching them safe ways to express and regulate emotions. Creating a secure environment where children feel heard and supported can help them process grief constructively. Therapeutic interventions such as play therapy or counseling tailored to a child’s developmental stage can also facilitate emotional healing.

How does shame tied to one’s family circumstances affect a young person’s self-esteem and relationships later in life?

Shame tied to family circumstances can have a profound and lasting impact on a young person’s self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. “When children internalise feelings of shame because of their family situation—such as lacking parental presence or experiencing instability—they may develop beliefs that they are somehow flawed or unworthy. This internalised shame can lead to chronic self-doubt, social withdrawal, or difficulty trusting others,” explains Gursahaney.

Over time, the expert mentions that it can create barriers to forming healthy attachments, as the individual might fear judgment or rejection. This shame can also fuel a persistent need to hide or dissociate from one’s background, making authentic connection challenging. Addressing this shame openly, often through therapy or supportive relationships, is crucial to rebuilding self-worth and fostering resilience.