Zebrafish in Therapy - By Ananya Deepak

Written By: Ananya Deepak

Category: Short story (ps pls ignore the spelling mistakes im dyslexic)

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Ananya Deepak presents "Zebrafish in Therapy," a short story submitted to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This narrative delves into the life of Mr. Gill, a zebrafish grappling with depression in a research facility. Through humor and poignant reflections, Ananya crafts a unique exploration of mental health and existential questions. The story offers a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked inner world of these aquatic creatures.

About the Work

"Zebrafish in Therapy" cleverly uses the setting of a research tank to explore themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning. Ananya's narrative style combines humor with a deep emotional undertone, creating a vivid portrayal of Mr. Gill's struggles. The story reflects on the complex dynamics of being a research subject, inviting readers to ponder the ethical implications while engaging with rich imagery and a thought-provoking storyline.

Zebra fish in therapy

Original Submission by Ananya Deepak

zebrafish in therapy

Mr gill is one of the zebrafish that was used to study depression by gene manipulation in a research facility. He has been feeling very empty on they inside, he feels hopeless about his future, he is withdrawn from his peers. He keeps asking himself deep philosophical existential questions like “what is the point of life” or “why do I exist?”. The fishes around him mock him and call him names like gloomy gill, you know because he’s got gills and he’s gloomy or swim shady because he prefers dark corners of the tank (which is funny because he detests rap music and prefers classical). One day he decides to visit a therapist Dr Fin, to understand himself better and deal with his depression. Lets look at one of his therapy sessions:

Docter Fin first opens his note pad to write down the details of his client he then asks “ so, Mr gill, what brings you to therapy?”

“oh where do I even start… I feel very heavy in my heart. I feel like I have been carrying the weight of the whole world on my Sholders. I feel like a huge burden to everyone around me. I am lost. I don’t feel anything, I’m just numb, nothing exits me anymore, not even eating my weekly brine Shrimp! I used to swim after them but now I just let them float away, like my dreams.” He replied in a sad tone.

“Ah I see, and when did this problem arise?” the doc says as he scribbles on his note pad with a blank look on his face.

“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t feel this way I’m afraid” he says.

“Can you tell me more about your mood these days?” the doc asks.

“I feel numb-no I feel like a back groundfish in my own life” He said with a sigh.

“And how is your relationship with other fish?” the doc asked with concern.

Mr Gill immediately started sobbing, doc hands him a tissue he wipes his face, he then answers with a very shaken and dreadful voice “ its no secret that I like to be isolated But I cant help it! The other day I tried to talk to another fish and I’m pretty sure they swam so fast that they broke the sound barrier. sometimes I feel like my own reflection doesn’t want to make I contact with me.

zebrafish in therapy

“Im sure they are plenty of fish in the sea” the doc tried to explain.

“First of all this is a tank, secondly none of them text me back!” he exclaimed.

“And how does that make you feel?” the doc asked with an empathetic expression.

“I feel like I’m one water change away from a break down.” He replied.

“You should really try to interact with other fish in a better way” the doc tried to advice. “Yeah I tried to join a school and now I’m just a drop out”, He said sarcastically.

“What else has been bothering you lately?” the doc asked.

Ah yes, I tried to fake my own death the other day and one of my scientist just called it “reduced mobility” the other time I once over heard him saying that im a ‘good research subject’. That’s just a polite way of saying miserable I know. Whatever I do just becomes a ‘fascinating response to stimuli’. I’m just a data point to them, a statistic waiting to be published. They are always writing down something about me and I know they are judging! Like one day they just decided to grow be from a petri dish and that’s where all my problems began.

The doc makes a note in the note pad. “Ah I see-

“I know they are not all bad because they keep playing classical music so I may be sad but at least now I’m sophisticated and cultured” Mr Gill interrupts.

“Have you tried journaling?” the doc suggests.

“I only have fins and no access to paper remember!” he says puzzled.

“I mean-have you tried thinking positive by being grateful” doc asked.

“Grateful! Grateful about what? About not being flushed yet?” He said with anger

“I’m sure you have things to look forward to” the doc sighs.

“Well I guess I look Forword to our sessions, therapy is expensive. Good thing its covered by the research grant funding my suffering because of which now the meaning of my life is written in someone’s thesis paper” he replied with a very slight glimmer of hope.

“You should try being positive” the doc suggests.

“I tried to think positive but my body rejected it like an incompatible organ transplant. I am a ‘model organism’ but not like a runway model more like a ‘before picture’ in a sad documentary. You see how being positive is difficult? I was born in a lab and will die in a lab!” he says in a very serious tone.

‘At least you don’t have student loans. Now give out a smile!” the doc joked.

“I’m a fish! My lips can’t do that!” he exclaimed.

“I think I have an inclination as to what’s happening” the doc said happily.

“Oh So what’s your diagnosis?” He asked

“This sounds like a case of depression. Very common among fishes-Well at least in lab fishes. And I think your condition might be genetic” the doc explained.

“wait what” he screamed in shock.

“You see us fishes are very special. Scientists love to use us to study psychiatric disorders because we share a surprising amount of genetic similarities with humans. They can manipulate our genes-knocking some out, adding others in-to see what happens. For instance, if they knock out one gene called tph2 and we suddenly develop depression-like behaviours” he added further.

“Huh!” Mr Gill is now as confused as ever.

zebrafish in therapy

“One day, you’re a normal fish vibing in the tank, the next-poof!-you’re a living model for psychiatric disorders” said the doc dramatically.

“So you are telling me scientist edited my genome to make me sadder? Like thanks-I could have done that my self” he laughed.

“But it’s not all bad, Mr gill. Thanks to us, humans are learning how genes influence mental health. And that means better treatments-not just for fish, but for people too. Scientists watch how we react to medications to find effective treatments for depression and anxiety. So, in a way, we’re pioneers in fish psychiatry” the doc said with excitement.

“so basically I’m really only alive because some one wants to see how long I can stay sad? Thanks! love that for me’ he said sarcastically.

“You don’t get, it do you, Zebrafish has emerged has a model system to study various psychiatric disorders like Autism, ADHD, depression and anxiety. Us fishes posses all the genes for these disorders so they can manipulate genes in zebrafish to study its effects especially the behavioural effect of any alterations of these gene. This makes us fish so cool!” the doc added.

“Wait, if I get better, does that mean the scientists change my genes back? Or do they just toss me back in the tank and study another fish?” he asked.

---Awkward silence---

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an annual event celebrating diverse literary talents from around the globe. This competition encourages participants to share their unique voices through poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. It serves as a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and engage with a wider community of literature enthusiasts.

Thank you, Ananya Deepak, for your insightful contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "Zebrafish in Therapy." Your story offers readers a captivating journey through the eyes of a zebrafish, opening a dialogue on mental health and scientific exploration. We appreciate your participation and look forward to your future creative endeavors.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.