The day I realised psychology is not just a subject

 When people hear that I study psychology . They look at me differently, as if I suddenly understand the human mind. And then, slowly, they begin to share their stories.

When People Find Out You Study Psychology

As a psychology student who has just completed first semester, I have already noticed something interesting. The moment people find out that I study psychology, their reactions change.

Many people say something like, “We know you’re not an expert yet, but since you are studying the mind, we want to ask you something.”

And then the conversations begin.

People start sharing their feelings. Someone says they suddenly feel very sad. Someone else says their mood quickly changes from happiness to sadness. Some people feel overwhelmed by emotions they cannot explain. Others ask about their personalities and their traits, hoping that maybe psychology can help them understand themselves better.

I am still at the beginning of my journey in psychology, but these conversations show me how deeply people want to be understood.

One story in particular stayed with me.

A girl once came to talk to me. She shared that she struggles with anxiety. During those moments, she sometimes copes with it in a harmful way by cutting her arms with a blade. Hearing this was painful, because it showed how intense anxiety can become for someone.

She also told me that she has a strong fear of blood. Whenever she sees blood, she feels weak and feels like she might collapse. Yet during her anxious moments, she ends up harming herself even though she is afraid of blood.

She then shared what started many of her emotional triggers.

At one point in her life, she had finally felt happy because she believed she had found a genuine friend. She trusted this friend deeply. But later she discovered that this friend had developed romantic feelings for her. After professionals were involved, they were separated, but the emotional impact of that situation stayed with her.

Later, another uncomfortable situation happened when a man in her family tried to get her attention in ways that made her uneasy. These experiences became triggers for her anxiety.

She also explained something important about her family. Her family cares about her a lot. Her mother worries about her and feels tense when she sees her daughter struggling. But the girl still finds it difficult to share everything with them. Some things feel too complicated or too sensitive to explain, especially the truth about her former friend and the situations she faced.

So she carries many of these thoughts quietly.

Listening to her reminded me how many people are fighting silent battles.

At the same time, psychology also connects with a deeper understanding of life. Our nature, our emotions, and our minds are all part of the way we are created by Allah Almighty.

When she spoke to me about hurting herself with a blade, I gently reminded her of something important. I told her that this body is not truly ours. It is an amanah (a trust) given to us by Allah Almighty, and because of that, we should not harm it.

I also told her that anxiety takes time to heal. It does not disappear instantly. But healing becomes possible when a person truly wants to get better.

Psychologists and professionals can guide someone, but a person also has to take steps themselves. Self-control, patience, and seeking help are all part of the process.

As someone who has just started studying psychology, moments like this remind me that psychology is not only about books and theories. It is about real people, real emotions, and real struggles.

And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer someone is simply a safe space where they feel heard.