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October 10th is observed as World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about issues related to mental health and to reduce the taboo around it. Fictional books and biographies help to understand the portrayal of anxiety, depression and societal intimidation. Stories like these help individuals manage their struggles and encourage open-minded conversations. These stories serve to be of importance when seeking help during tough times. Regardless of happy endings, these books remind us how it’s never too late for a change.
Books On Healing on World Mental Health Day
“I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Ttoekbokki” By Baek Sehee
In her memoir, Baek Sehee shares her journey of battling persistent feelings of melancholy while still finding joy in small pleasures, like eating tteokbokki, a popular South Korean rice cake dish. Although she appeared fine outwardly, she was coping with dysthymia, a mild but long-term form of depression. She constantly struggles to hide her insecurities and worries a lot and eventually seeks help from her psychiatrist. Her story resonates with the readers by encouraging them to seek out help when facing mental health issues.
“Highly Illogical Behaviour” By John Corey Whaley
Highly Illogical Behaviour’ follows the journey of a housebound teenager, named Solomon Reed, due to his fear of the public world. His classmate Lisa and her boyfriend Clark try their best to help him. Their friendship eventually deepens and various truths are unravelled in this journey. This novel serves to highlight the formidable journey of accepting oneself and how strong relationships are vital for improvements in mental health.
“My Year Of Rest And Relaxation” By Ottessa Moshfegh
It narrates the story of a young woman who is sick of her life in New York City and wishes for a break. In need of a long break, the unnamed protagonist falls asleep for a whole year with the help of prescription pills. Her spiral of problems seems to be never-ending. This novel explores how avoiding a problem is not the solution or the way to achieve happiness in one’s life.
