It has been a long time since my reading of I’ve never been (Un)happier by Shaheen Bhatt. This memoir by Baek Sehee, translated by Anton Hur has been a positive read for me as it deals with self-awareness & mental health.
When you’re having a hard time, it’s natural to feel like you’re having the hardest time in the world. And it’s not selfish to feel that way.
Baek, an established social media content creator, seeks help from a psychiatrist to treat her depression. The author recorded the entire session for thorough introspection. The conversation knocks on questions that we ask ourselves when we are alone. The constant nagging feelings which gnaw at our hearts.
Are we being the best?
Will the person we talk to think better of us?
Will I get a shoulder to rest on the days we are tired?
I think I am learning how to accept life as it is. Accepting your burdens and putting them down isn’t an occasional posture; it’s something you need to practise for the rest of your life.
Read my review on Never been (un)happier
More often than we care to admit, we have all been driven by existential crises. It becomes very frustrating to keep running toward the goalpost yet the goalpost keeps moving away as soon as we reach it. The conversation better the author and her doctor helps us to dig beneath the surface and understand why we behave in specific ways. Unfortunately for some, overthinking leads to clinical depression and in this case, the author is diagnosed with Dysthymia (Persistent depressive disorder) wherein patients exhibit symptoms like lack of interest in day-to-day activities, lethargy & low self-esteem. The author succumbs to substance abuse as well. The book ends with the information that the author had years of therapy which is reassuring that one can recover from the ailment too. So, please, always seek professional help if you or anyone you know may be going through mental issues.
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Cheers to Reading!
Ordo Ab Chao 