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I've never been (Un)happier
Lights, Camera . . . Inaction
Unwittingly known as Alia Bhatt’s older sister, screenwriter and fame-child Shaheen Bhatt has been a powerhouse of quiet restraint—until now. In a sweeping act of courage, she now invites you into her head.
Shaheen was diagnosed with depression at eighteen, after five years of already living with it. In this emotionally arresting memoir, she reveals the daily experiences and debilitating big picture of one of the most critically misinterpreted mental illnesses in the twenty-first century. Equal parts conundrum and enlightenment, Shaheen takes us through the personal pendulum of understanding and living with depression in her privileged circumstances. With honesty and a profound self-awareness, Shaheen lays claim to her sadness, finding it a home in the universal fabric of the human condition.
In this multi-dimensional, philosophical tell-all, Shaheen acknowledges, accepts and overcomes the peculiarities of this way of being alive. A topic of massive interest to anyone living with mental health disorders, I’ve Never Been (un)Happier stretches out its hand to gently provide solace and solidarity.
Unwittingly known as Alia Bhatt’s older sister, screenwriter and fame-child Shaheen Bhatt has been a powerhouse of quiet restraint—until now. In a sweeping act of courage, she now invites you into her head.
Shaheen was diagnosed with depression at eighteen, after five years of already living with it. In this emotionally arresting memoir, she reveals the daily experiences and debilitating big picture of one of the most critically misinterpreted mental illnesses in the twenty-first century. Equal parts conundrum and enlightenment, Shaheen takes us through the personal pendulum of understanding and living with depression in her privileged circumstances. With honesty and a profound self-awareness, Shaheen lays claim to her sadness, finding it a home in the universal fabric of the human condition.
In this multi-dimensional, philosophical tell-all, Shaheen acknowledges, accepts and overcomes the peculiarities of this way of being alive. A topic of massive interest to anyone living with mental health disorders, I’ve Never Been (un)Happier stretches out its hand to gently provide solace and solidarity.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2018
599 people are currently reading
7137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 487 reviews
February 27, 2022
***recommended read on mental health
*Awesome non-fiction read
I never thought I would get so attached to this book after having picked it up like two times before (the edition featured here), didn't feel like reading it or somehow thinking that this book would rather disappoint me in the end.
But seriously this is one of the most well written books on mental health issues particularly focusing on major clinical depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, therapy and the misconceptions surrounding such issues from a person who has been dealing with them ever since she was fourteen.
I like the new edition, edited and updated with a stunning, attractive cover (sue me!) which got published a few months back.
The writing is really gripping for a non-fiction. I finished reading up this on in less than an hour because it felt like Shaheen was just talking to me opening up her heart and mind over a cup of tea.
What I loved most about this particular memoir is that it talks without romanticizing depression or suicide which most books on such issues (fiction or non-fiction) usually tend to do. The first few pages and some pages in between might seem a bit dramatic and 'overshared' but you will understand instantly why they are so.
The author understands well what she's is writing about; she has done thorough research and doesn't whine or glorify about things once she comes to understand what such issues are really about, specially after years of struggling without knowing what she has been going through and what she has been suffering from.
I presumed that this memoir would be full of Bollywood references of her parents and her younger sister, Alia Bhatt, and she came out victorious handling depression and how she was suffering for the sake of bringing out a book (yes, non-fiction books have disappointed me like this so many times. Naturally I started assuming such things!)
But this woman is doing everything right and this memoir has the authenticity and the genuine feels that it was written and had to be shared for the sake of making everyone, young and old, man and woman, parents and family, friends and partners to understand and know the basic differences regarding how a person with mental health issues really has to go through and that he or she is not just 'lazy' or 'attention seeking' or being 'dramatic' or 'oversharing' at social media.
I appreciate the fact that the author is well-read and has done intensive research.
I felt so deeply connected with this memoir at a personal level and I really believe that this book is going to create a massive wave, especially the adults in understanding mental health. I really do hope the taboo and discrimination around such issues to drop down a bit with such meaningful memoirs.
I am so glad I picked up this book today coming back to my room thoroughly tired and stressed out. Ironically, this memoir gave me all the positivity I needed.
*Awesome non-fiction read
I never thought I would get so attached to this book after having picked it up like two times before (the edition featured here), didn't feel like reading it or somehow thinking that this book would rather disappoint me in the end.
But seriously this is one of the most well written books on mental health issues particularly focusing on major clinical depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, therapy and the misconceptions surrounding such issues from a person who has been dealing with them ever since she was fourteen.
I like the new edition, edited and updated with a stunning, attractive cover (sue me!) which got published a few months back.
The writing is really gripping for a non-fiction. I finished reading up this on in less than an hour because it felt like Shaheen was just talking to me opening up her heart and mind over a cup of tea.
What I loved most about this particular memoir is that it talks without romanticizing depression or suicide which most books on such issues (fiction or non-fiction) usually tend to do. The first few pages and some pages in between might seem a bit dramatic and 'overshared' but you will understand instantly why they are so.
The author understands well what she's is writing about; she has done thorough research and doesn't whine or glorify about things once she comes to understand what such issues are really about, specially after years of struggling without knowing what she has been going through and what she has been suffering from.
I presumed that this memoir would be full of Bollywood references of her parents and her younger sister, Alia Bhatt, and she came out victorious handling depression and how she was suffering for the sake of bringing out a book (yes, non-fiction books have disappointed me like this so many times. Naturally I started assuming such things!)
But this woman is doing everything right and this memoir has the authenticity and the genuine feels that it was written and had to be shared for the sake of making everyone, young and old, man and woman, parents and family, friends and partners to understand and know the basic differences regarding how a person with mental health issues really has to go through and that he or she is not just 'lazy' or 'attention seeking' or being 'dramatic' or 'oversharing' at social media.
I appreciate the fact that the author is well-read and has done intensive research.
I felt so deeply connected with this memoir at a personal level and I really believe that this book is going to create a massive wave, especially the adults in understanding mental health. I really do hope the taboo and discrimination around such issues to drop down a bit with such meaningful memoirs.
I am so glad I picked up this book today coming back to my room thoroughly tired and stressed out. Ironically, this memoir gave me all the positivity I needed.
May 28, 2022
Even while I enjoyed this book, I wanted to read more personal tales rather than bookish information and data that I could find on the internet.
I am pleased for her since she made a decent and honest effort.
I am pleased for her since she made a decent and honest effort.
October 30, 2018
Real. Visceral. Matter of fact. A must read to just understand what depression does to a person. Thanks, Shaheen for writing this.
August 22, 2023
3.5/5
কোনো প্রত্যাশা ছিলো না বইটি থেকে। পড়ে বেশ চমৎকৃত হলাম। নিজের বয়ঃসন্ধিকালে শুরু হওয়া ডিপ্রেশনের সাথে ১৮ বছরের নিরন্তর যুদ্ধের গল্প বলেছেন শাহিন ভাট। লেখা একদম সোজাসাপ্টা। খুব অল্প পরিসরে লেখিকা ডিপ্রেশনের স্বরূপ, প্রভাব, নিজের দার্শনিক উপলব্ধি তুলে ধরেছেন। (পরিসর আরো বড় হলে ভালো লাগতো যদিও।) এ বইটা পড়ে ডিপ্রেশন সম্বন্ধে প্রাথমিক জ্ঞান লাভ করা যাবে সহজেই। খুব সরল ভাষায় লেখা হলেও হঠাৎ হঠাৎ পাওয়া গেছে কাব্যের দৃঢ়তা ও ঝিলিক। শেষ অংশটা চমৎকার -
"I remind myself if happiness is fleeting, then so is sadness.
I remind myself depression is the weather, and I'm a weather- worn tree.
I remind myself even the worst storms pass.
I remind myself I've survived them all."
কোনো প্রত্যাশা ছিলো না বইটি থেকে। পড়ে বেশ চমৎকৃত হলাম। নিজের বয়ঃসন্ধিকালে শুরু হওয়া ডিপ্রেশনের সাথে ১৮ বছরের নিরন্তর যুদ্ধের গল্প বলেছেন শাহিন ভাট। লেখা একদম সোজাসাপ্টা। খুব অল্প পরিসরে লেখিকা ডিপ্রেশনের স্বরূপ, প্রভাব, নিজের দার্শনিক উপলব্ধি তুলে ধরেছেন। (পরিসর আরো বড় হলে ভালো লাগতো যদিও।) এ বইটা পড়ে ডিপ্রেশন সম্বন্ধে প্রাথমিক জ্ঞান লাভ করা যাবে সহজেই। খুব সরল ভাষায় লেখা হলেও হঠাৎ হঠাৎ পাওয়া গেছে কাব্যের দৃঢ়তা ও ঝিলিক। শেষ অংশটা চমৎকার -
"I remind myself if happiness is fleeting, then so is sadness.
I remind myself depression is the weather, and I'm a weather- worn tree.
I remind myself even the worst storms pass.
I remind myself I've survived them all."
June 15, 2020
Pain has value, yes, but pain and mental illness are not the same thing and mental illnesses can't be seen as a means to an end or a route to greatness. It's not, and it's vital that we understand that.
this is the first time i'm reading a book that is written by an Indian author. it is also the first time i'm reading about a real person's mental health and in particular, about their journey with depression. Shaheen Bhatt is the daughter of a director and an actress and is also a sister of a very big actress in India. i'm saying this bc many of us would expect her to be in the same field but that's not the case. it's important to know how exhausting it can be for you when you are surrounded by ambitious and over-achievers. it's not a bad thing, but it's really difficult to know your own strengths and also not try to compare yourself with everyone which is one of my biggest issues with myself that i'm working on.
Shaheen Bhatt has written a beautiful book,I've never been (Un)happier:, about her experience, her on-going battle with depression. she has acknowledged her privilege and i really appreciate that. depression can't be defined by a single word. fuck, it can't even be explained in sentences. for each, it's a very different experience. she had a quite normal upbringing and has a comfortable life, financially, as said by her. it's important to know that despite having everything you can still feel like you aren't enough. it's important to know that it's okay to feel shitty despite "having it all".
'Just in case' and 'what if'-the taglines of anxiety. Anxiety is fidgeting, pacing and hyperventilating. It is uncertainty. It is the fear that something bad might be coming if you aren't fully prepared.
as someone who also has anxiety, OCD and high levels of social anxiety, this book was both relatable and difficult to read as you can't help but think of your own experience. i generally don't talk about my own mental health here or on any social platform but i think if this book can help someone not deal but just accept it, it would be great.
ending this review with a quote by Dr. Brene Brown, 'Vulnerability isn't good or bad, it's not what we can call a dark emotion, nor is it always a light, positive experience. Vulnerability is the core of all emotions and feelings. To feel is to be vulnerable. To believe vulnerability is a weakness is to believe feeling is a weakness.'
rating - 4/5
————————————————————————
rtc
this is the first time i'm reading a book that is written by an Indian author. it is also the first time i'm reading about a real person's mental health and in particular, about their journey with depression. Shaheen Bhatt is the daughter of a director and an actress and is also a sister of a very big actress in India. i'm saying this bc many of us would expect her to be in the same field but that's not the case. it's important to know how exhausting it can be for you when you are surrounded by ambitious and over-achievers. it's not a bad thing, but it's really difficult to know your own strengths and also not try to compare yourself with everyone which is one of my biggest issues with myself that i'm working on.
Shaheen Bhatt has written a beautiful book,I've never been (Un)happier:, about her experience, her on-going battle with depression. she has acknowledged her privilege and i really appreciate that. depression can't be defined by a single word. fuck, it can't even be explained in sentences. for each, it's a very different experience. she had a quite normal upbringing and has a comfortable life, financially, as said by her. it's important to know that despite having everything you can still feel like you aren't enough. it's important to know that it's okay to feel shitty despite "having it all".
'Just in case' and 'what if'-the taglines of anxiety. Anxiety is fidgeting, pacing and hyperventilating. It is uncertainty. It is the fear that something bad might be coming if you aren't fully prepared.
as someone who also has anxiety, OCD and high levels of social anxiety, this book was both relatable and difficult to read as you can't help but think of your own experience. i generally don't talk about my own mental health here or on any social platform but i think if this book can help someone not deal but just accept it, it would be great.
ending this review with a quote by Dr. Brene Brown, 'Vulnerability isn't good or bad, it's not what we can call a dark emotion, nor is it always a light, positive experience. Vulnerability is the core of all emotions and feelings. To feel is to be vulnerable. To believe vulnerability is a weakness is to believe feeling is a weakness.'
rating - 4/5
————————————————————————
rtc
November 2, 2018
There is a reason why I adore Sylvia Plath. The same reason is the driving force why I am immensely in love with Shaheen Bhatt now. The slow disintegration of Plath's characters is what makes me love her; what's more, Shaheen Bhatt has herself become the character in I've Never Been (Un)Happier. What I strongly feel about this short piece is that it couldn't have been written in a better way or it couldn't have been longer or shorter. Through just 66 pages, she has taken hold of my consciousness. Sometimes, we can't have any control of the situations and it is okay to feel what we feel. This is such a riveting tale of her life through depressive phases. Earlier, I was sceptical of the name she is associated with; the stardom of her family made me question whether I should read this book or not. I am so glad that I did. I am so glad that I am finally out of the habit of judging a book and I am filled with gratitude for her to have written something so piercingly beautiful.
November 2, 2018
When this book was published, I smirked and said, another celebrity book is being shoved in our faces. But when one of my trusted friends recommended me this book, I bought it and started reading it. And I must say, this book is brilliant.
This hit close to home because I could relate with it very much. I really loved how honest she was and how unflinchingly she shared her story. A must must read.
This hit close to home because I could relate with it very much. I really loved how honest she was and how unflinchingly she shared her story. A must must read.
February 27, 2022
***recommended read on mental health
*Awesome non-fiction read
This is one of the most well written books on mental health issues particularly focusing on major clinical depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, therapy and the misconceptions surrounding such issues from a person who has been dealing with them ever since she was fourteen.
I like the new edition, edited and updated with a stunning, attractive cover (sue me!) which got published a few months back.
The writing is really gripping for a non-fiction. I finished reading up this on in less than an hour because it felt like Shaheen was just talking to me opening up her heart and mind over a cup of tea.
What I loved most about this particular memoir is that it talks without romanticizing depression or suicide which most books on such issues (fiction or non-fiction) usually tend to do. The first few pages and some pages in between might seem a bit dramatic and 'overshared' but you will understand instantly why they are so.
The author understands well what she's is writing about; she has done thorough research and doesn't whine or glorify about things once she comes to understand what such issues are really about, specially after years of struggling without knowing what she has been going through and what she has been suffering from.
I presumed that this memoir would be full of Bollywood references of her parents and her younger sister, Alia Bhatt, and she came out victorious handling depression and how she was suffering for the sake of bringing out a book (yes, non-fiction books have disappointed me like this so many times. Naturally I started assuming such things!)
But this woman is doing everything right and this memoir has the authenticity and the genuine feels that it was written and had to be shared for the sake of making everyone, young and old, man and woman, parents and family, friends and partners to understand and know the basic differences regarding how a person with mental health issues really has to go through and that he or she is not just 'lazy' or 'attention seeking' or being 'dramatic' or 'oversharing' at social media.
I appreciate the fact that the author is well-read and has done intensive research.
I felt so deeply connected with this memoir at a personal level and I really believe that this book is going to create a massive wave, especially the adults in understanding mental health. I really do hope the taboo and discrimination around such issues to drop down a bit with such meaningful memoirs.
I am so glad I picked up this book today coming back to my room thoroughly tired and stressed out. Ironically, this memoir gave me all the positivity I needed.
*Awesome non-fiction read
This is one of the most well written books on mental health issues particularly focusing on major clinical depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, therapy and the misconceptions surrounding such issues from a person who has been dealing with them ever since she was fourteen.
I like the new edition, edited and updated with a stunning, attractive cover (sue me!) which got published a few months back.
The writing is really gripping for a non-fiction. I finished reading up this on in less than an hour because it felt like Shaheen was just talking to me opening up her heart and mind over a cup of tea.
What I loved most about this particular memoir is that it talks without romanticizing depression or suicide which most books on such issues (fiction or non-fiction) usually tend to do. The first few pages and some pages in between might seem a bit dramatic and 'overshared' but you will understand instantly why they are so.
The author understands well what she's is writing about; she has done thorough research and doesn't whine or glorify about things once she comes to understand what such issues are really about, specially after years of struggling without knowing what she has been going through and what she has been suffering from.
I presumed that this memoir would be full of Bollywood references of her parents and her younger sister, Alia Bhatt, and she came out victorious handling depression and how she was suffering for the sake of bringing out a book (yes, non-fiction books have disappointed me like this so many times. Naturally I started assuming such things!)
But this woman is doing everything right and this memoir has the authenticity and the genuine feels that it was written and had to be shared for the sake of making everyone, young and old, man and woman, parents and family, friends and partners to understand and know the basic differences regarding how a person with mental health issues really has to go through and that he or she is not just 'lazy' or 'attention seeking' or being 'dramatic' or 'oversharing' at social media.
I appreciate the fact that the author is well-read and has done intensive research.
I felt so deeply connected with this memoir at a personal level and I really believe that this book is going to create a massive wave, especially the adults in understanding mental health. I really do hope the taboo and discrimination around such issues to drop down a bit with such meaningful memoirs.
I am so glad I picked up this book today coming back to my room thoroughly tired and stressed out. Ironically, this memoir gave me all the positivity I needed.
October 23, 2018
For the major part of my life, I have been unhappy. I cannot explain or elaborate, nor I can write a novella as relatable as this.
Shaheen Bhatt, author of this book about depression has seemingly bared her soul. I am sure, she had her set of inhibitions and constant fights with self; but there can't be more gritty words to describe all that she experienced. It's incomprehensible for people who haven't been depressed to even understand the depth and pervasiveness of it.
"Jonathan Safran Foer writes in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, 'Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living.'"
This review will be as candid as the book has been to me; personal and extremely relatable. It's one of those writings, either you would believe it to be yours; else you would understand the pain and empathise.
Shaheen has not only told about her depression in an unbiased manner, she has liberated her dark thoughts to make you believe every word of it.
"I began to see my symptoms as defining personality traits rather than what they were: side effects of a troubled mind. When the people in my life told me I was negative, difficult and unfriendly, I believed that was just who I was deep down inside rather than attributing it to the fact that I was in pain. I embodied my illness and my illness became who I was in my mind."
Just like the book, I do not want to delve into unnecessary stories and narrations. The book is short, crisp and to the point. It's shortness will allow many people to read and decipher this grave illness.
Let's un-taboo depression and treat it as any other physical ailment; cure it with care and proper treatment.
Book Information
Pages: 66
Language: English
Genre: Non fiction, psychology
My Rating: 5/5
Shaheen Bhatt, author of this book about depression has seemingly bared her soul. I am sure, she had her set of inhibitions and constant fights with self; but there can't be more gritty words to describe all that she experienced. It's incomprehensible for people who haven't been depressed to even understand the depth and pervasiveness of it.
"Jonathan Safran Foer writes in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, 'Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living.'"
This review will be as candid as the book has been to me; personal and extremely relatable. It's one of those writings, either you would believe it to be yours; else you would understand the pain and empathise.
Shaheen has not only told about her depression in an unbiased manner, she has liberated her dark thoughts to make you believe every word of it.
"I began to see my symptoms as defining personality traits rather than what they were: side effects of a troubled mind. When the people in my life told me I was negative, difficult and unfriendly, I believed that was just who I was deep down inside rather than attributing it to the fact that I was in pain. I embodied my illness and my illness became who I was in my mind."
Just like the book, I do not want to delve into unnecessary stories and narrations. The book is short, crisp and to the point. It's shortness will allow many people to read and decipher this grave illness.
Let's un-taboo depression and treat it as any other physical ailment; cure it with care and proper treatment.
Book Information
Pages: 66
Language: English
Genre: Non fiction, psychology
My Rating: 5/5
August 25, 2020
First I would like to say whether you're suffering from depression or not you have to read this book. My opinion is that, this is a must read book for everyone.
.
Depression is something we can't explain if we haven't experienced it firsthand but it's much more difficult for a person who is suffering from depression to explain his or her suffering. Well in this book we take a deep intimate look into the life Shaheen was living. Shaheen was diagnosed with depression at eighteen, after five years of already living with it. In this book she takes us through the conundrums of her privileged life.
.
In our society depression is often misinterpreted and it's impossible to determine the degree of pain one's suffering. We just can't set parameters for depression because everyone's pain is different from the rest. With honesty Shaheen tells us her condition and how her lifestyle wasn't the root cause of her problems. From the bedrock to the healing point she shares her experience with profound self awareness. Depression is a monster and someone fighting it alone cannot win, with support, proper treatment and understanding this demon can be defeated.
.
Depression is something we can't explain if we haven't experienced it firsthand but it's much more difficult for a person who is suffering from depression to explain his or her suffering. Well in this book we take a deep intimate look into the life Shaheen was living. Shaheen was diagnosed with depression at eighteen, after five years of already living with it. In this book she takes us through the conundrums of her privileged life.
.
In our society depression is often misinterpreted and it's impossible to determine the degree of pain one's suffering. We just can't set parameters for depression because everyone's pain is different from the rest. With honesty Shaheen tells us her condition and how her lifestyle wasn't the root cause of her problems. From the bedrock to the healing point she shares her experience with profound self awareness. Depression is a monster and someone fighting it alone cannot win, with support, proper treatment and understanding this demon can be defeated.
January 15, 2020
a book that will connect with all of us. At some point in life, we all go through a phase where question ourselves, everything that we do. Isn't it?. This book gives you an insight on what depression is, how we always wear a happy face mask and why there is a need to talk about it. This book is an emotional roller coaster ride that will teach you something, that will make you feel her journey. Each and every page, every chapter feels so related.
The way this book is curated is just incredible.
The author's diary adds a sparkle to this book. The way the author expressed the emotions is commendable. How self-doubt can kill one, and how it's okay to feel sad, not fake happiness is something that I loved. The father-daughter conversations, the way he made her understand things, I loved that.
The writing style of the author is crisp and engaging keeping the reader hooked throughout. Take your own time, while reading this book, feel each and every chapter, immerse yourself in her journey,in this WONDERFUL BOOK.
I have been through the rough phase where I always told myself to be happy, where I never cared for myself. It took years to realise that I have to keep myself first and others later.
The way this book is curated is just incredible.
The author's diary adds a sparkle to this book. The way the author expressed the emotions is commendable. How self-doubt can kill one, and how it's okay to feel sad, not fake happiness is something that I loved. The father-daughter conversations, the way he made her understand things, I loved that.
The writing style of the author is crisp and engaging keeping the reader hooked throughout. Take your own time, while reading this book, feel each and every chapter, immerse yourself in her journey,in this WONDERFUL BOOK.
I have been through the rough phase where I always told myself to be happy, where I never cared for myself. It took years to realise that I have to keep myself first and others later.
July 9, 2019
Real. Every one should read it to understand what depression does to a person.
August 21, 2023
3.25
সাতদিন আগে এক্সামের জন্য পড়া টেক্সটবুক আবার পড়লাম যেন। আবছা ধারণা দিয়ে এড়িয়ে গেছেন অনেক কিছু মনে হলো।
সাতদিন আগে এক্সামের জন্য পড়া টেক্সটবুক আবার পড়লাম যেন। আবছা ধারণা দিয়ে এড়িয়ে গেছেন অনেক কিছু মনে হলো।
August 2, 2022
I don't know if I am qualified enough to review this book because I can't completely relate to it. While I have been depressed for a while in the past and have felt the way Shaheen Bhatt has, my depression hadn't been a looming shadow in my life for years like it has been for her. The book reminded me of my own depression, and it made me feel sad, instead of hopeful (like it did for many others), because Shaheen has been consistently struggling with something that I can't even imagine going through again, for most of her life. It was a rather painful experience for me to read this book, and I was glad that it was short, much like a blog post. I don't think I could have continued with it if it were longer, no matter how much it tells you from time to time that 'it's/it'll be okay'. It also reads a little bit like a ghost story where depression is characterized as some sort of an invisible monster that is always around, but we don't get enough examples to understand how it practically affected/affects Shaheen's life.
Shaheen Bhatt is a gifted writer though. The book is extremely well written and actually helps you understand how it 'feels' like to live with depression.
Shaheen Bhatt is a gifted writer though. The book is extremely well written and actually helps you understand how it 'feels' like to live with depression.
June 18, 2020
While it was a good attempt at discussing depression and anxiety this book didn't do a great job at it. I say that because it lacked personal stories,surprising (!) for a book which is meant to be an individual's account of their experience with depression. It borrowed too much from references and research instead of establishing a personal connection with the reader. It didn't leave me with a deeper understanding of mental illness or the writer's struggle with it than what I could've just looked up on Google.
For instance, she says that her depression has interfered with her relationships (romantic or otherwise), but she never tackles how.
For instance, she says that her depression has interfered with her relationships (romantic or otherwise), but she never tackles how.
August 23, 2019
"Your pain, like your fingerprints, is unique to you."
Shaheen Bhatt, the author of this book, suffered from clinical depression for over 17 years, and in this book, she shares her journey.
Very well written, brutally honest, heartfelt and a must-read for everyone.
Shaheen Bhatt, the author of this book, suffered from clinical depression for over 17 years, and in this book, she shares her journey.
Very well written, brutally honest, heartfelt and a must-read for everyone.
January 14, 2020
| Book Review | I've Never Been (Un)happier.
•
"I am who I am in the now, and I have to work my life around that. That isn’t giving up; it’s adjusting to the reality of my condition and giving myself a higher chance of living a successful life by not chasing after unrealistic goals." - Shaheen Bhatt.
•
Depression is a difficult thing to understand if one hasn't gone through it. For others it might seem like much of a nuisance, a desperate attempt at seeking attention or just plain old drama. But for those who have daily combats with depression, it's just a sign of being helpless. We call names or bully people for being sad constantly not realising that sadness is beyond their control. They didn't ask for it yet they are constantly hounded by it. The minute this book hit the shelves, it created a tsunami of emotions in the literary world and thanks to this, I now know how tough life can seem for someone who's truly depressed. But Shaheen doesn't address only the grief part. Perhaps this is why I have come to love this book and I'm sure you will too, once you read it.
•
The Bhatts are a starry family, through and through. Born in the '80s, Shaheen tells us how she came out as a red ball of fury. It was proof enough that she was already displeased and angry at the world. As she grew up, she was prone to bouts of sadness and insecurity and it only increased with time. Comparing herself to her star sisters, Shaheen turned severely conscious about her appearance and saw her performance at school and college dropping rapidly. It's shocking to learn that depression has such a strong hold on people, making it impossible for them perform even the simplest tasks. Our country is still quite hush-hush about mental illness making it extremely tough for people to admit their relationship with depression. As she explains about anxiety and grief, her constant thoughts about death and the fear of it, she also makes an important point in mentioning that being rich does not make one immune from depression.
•
She stresses on therapy and how it helped her on the days she felt little. She has bared it all including pages from her personal diary for the entire world to read. She's honest, brilliant and also quick witted. I love a book in which the author displays a sense of humour and Shaheen has the ability to make people laugh even when she's addressing serious issues. There's not a single flaw in this beautiful book. This book is important, sensitive, thoughtful and quite emotional too. Shaheen's book reminded me of Walt Disney's famous line 'After the rain, the sun will reappear. There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here'.
•
Rating - 5/5.
•
"I am who I am in the now, and I have to work my life around that. That isn’t giving up; it’s adjusting to the reality of my condition and giving myself a higher chance of living a successful life by not chasing after unrealistic goals." - Shaheen Bhatt.
•
Depression is a difficult thing to understand if one hasn't gone through it. For others it might seem like much of a nuisance, a desperate attempt at seeking attention or just plain old drama. But for those who have daily combats with depression, it's just a sign of being helpless. We call names or bully people for being sad constantly not realising that sadness is beyond their control. They didn't ask for it yet they are constantly hounded by it. The minute this book hit the shelves, it created a tsunami of emotions in the literary world and thanks to this, I now know how tough life can seem for someone who's truly depressed. But Shaheen doesn't address only the grief part. Perhaps this is why I have come to love this book and I'm sure you will too, once you read it.
•
The Bhatts are a starry family, through and through. Born in the '80s, Shaheen tells us how she came out as a red ball of fury. It was proof enough that she was already displeased and angry at the world. As she grew up, she was prone to bouts of sadness and insecurity and it only increased with time. Comparing herself to her star sisters, Shaheen turned severely conscious about her appearance and saw her performance at school and college dropping rapidly. It's shocking to learn that depression has such a strong hold on people, making it impossible for them perform even the simplest tasks. Our country is still quite hush-hush about mental illness making it extremely tough for people to admit their relationship with depression. As she explains about anxiety and grief, her constant thoughts about death and the fear of it, she also makes an important point in mentioning that being rich does not make one immune from depression.
•
She stresses on therapy and how it helped her on the days she felt little. She has bared it all including pages from her personal diary for the entire world to read. She's honest, brilliant and also quick witted. I love a book in which the author displays a sense of humour and Shaheen has the ability to make people laugh even when she's addressing serious issues. There's not a single flaw in this beautiful book. This book is important, sensitive, thoughtful and quite emotional too. Shaheen's book reminded me of Walt Disney's famous line 'After the rain, the sun will reappear. There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here'.
•
Rating - 5/5.
November 29, 2020
The author, Shaheen Bhatt talks about her experience with mental illness. She is frank,open about what she had been through because of depression and the toll it took on her physical,mental health. She doesn’t shy away from talking about the symptoms she had like crying, being isolated, feeling extremely low about herself, struggling to stay away from negative thoughts. This kind of mental awareness is very much important in this age where technology, social media are dominating people’s lives.
The way she writes is like she is telling us her story personally. I could really understand and feel the feelings. And she puts in efforts to make people who are going through depression feel normal and asserts that it can be dealt with easily by seeking help from loved ones. It’s very important to identify the trigger in the beginning itself rather than letting it grow huge which may cause more hurt,more mental and health issues.
So acts like compassion,empathy can help people get out of it. And get them back to normalcy, if not normalcy atleast make things a bit better. 🤗
The way she writes is like she is telling us her story personally. I could really understand and feel the feelings. And she puts in efforts to make people who are going through depression feel normal and asserts that it can be dealt with easily by seeking help from loved ones. It’s very important to identify the trigger in the beginning itself rather than letting it grow huge which may cause more hurt,more mental and health issues.
So acts like compassion,empathy can help people get out of it. And get them back to normalcy, if not normalcy atleast make things a bit better. 🤗
December 24, 2020
Book: I've Never Been (Un)Happier
Author: Shaheen Bhatt
Genre: Non Fiction/ Autobiography / psychology/ Mental Health
Publication: Penguin Ebury Press
Page Number : 163
Price: 275 Rs.
Rating: 3.75/5
বইটা বেশ হইচই করে রিলিজ হয়েছিল মনে আছে। মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য এবং নিজের মানসিক অসুস্থতার জার্নি নিয়ে বইটা লিখেছেন হালের অত্যন্ত জনপ্রিয় অভিনেত্রী আলিয়া ভাটের বড় বোন এবং নামকরা বলিউড ফিল্ম ডিরেক্টর মহেশ ভাটের মেয়ে মিস শাহীন ভাট। আমি একটু স্কেপ্টিক্যাল ও ছিলাম- সেলিব্রিটির লেখা বই, এমন কিইবা হবে... এ বছর একটা অনলাইন বুক শপে সুন্দর প্রচ্ছদের বইটি দেখে নিজেকে আর ধরে রাখতে পারলাম না, কিনেই ফেললাম।
বইটা একদমই শাহীনের নিজের জীবনের ডিপ্রেশনের পুরো জার্নিটার সামারি নিয়ে লেখা। তার জীবনের ডিপ্রেশনের বিভিন্ন পর্যায়/ধাপগুল�� নিয়ে বইটা সাজিয়ে লেখা। নিজের দুঃখগুলো কি করে তাকে অবসাদগ্রস্থ করে তুললো , এবং সেটা বুঝতে না পেরে দুঃখবোধের সাথে যুদ্ধ করতে করতে তার কতগুলো বছর হেলায় হারিয়ে গেলো তার পর্যায়ক্রমিক গোছানো বর্ণনা রয়েছে। শাহীনের এ বইটির গল্প বর্ণনা বা স্টোরি টেলিং এর ব্যাক এন্ড ফোর্থ ধাঁচের সঙ্গে খাপ খাইয়ে নিতে আমার একটু সময় লেগেছে কিন্তু কিছুদূর যাবার পর আর সমস্যা হয়নি।এটা একটা স্যাড বই। শাহীনের অন্তহীন স্যাডনেসের কথা পড়তে পড়তে দুঃখবোধ মনের মধ্যে প্রভাব ফেলতে শুরু করে। বইটা ডিপ্রেশনের শুরু থেকে শেষ পর্যন্ত বিভিন্ন ভাগে ভাগ করা, আর সে ভাগগুলোর শুরুর পেজে শাহীনের ব্যক্তিগত ডায়েরীর ফটোকপি ধরনের প্রিন্ট দেয়া যেটা কিনা বইটায় একটা বেশ পার্সোনাল টাচ দেয়। পুরো বইটা খুব থটফুলি সাজানো। শুধুমাত্র নিজের মানসিক অসুস্থতার গল্পই নয়, ডিপ্রেশনের বিভিন্ন ক্লিনিক্যাল/সায়েন্টিফিক ব্যাখ্যা বিশ্লেষন বেশ ভাল করে দেয়া আছে এবং সেগুলো সায়েন্স থিওরি ব্যাকড লেখা। বেশ সময় নিয়ে পরিশ্রম করেই শাহীন বিভিন্ন তথ্য উপাত্তসমেত বইটি দাঁড় করিয়েছেন। ডিপ্রেশন সম্পর্কে জানার বেসিক লেভেলের গাইডলাইন হিসেবেও বইটিকে অনায়াসে বেছে নেয়া যায়।
বইটির মুখবন্ধ লিখেছেন শাহীনের বাবা মহেশ ভাট। ভূমিকাটি সুন্দর, ফিলোসফিক্যাল ও শৈল্পিক যা পড়তে গিয়ে মহেশ ভাটের ভাবুক শিল্পী মনের কিছুটা পরিচয় পাওয়া যায়। শাহীনের ছোট ও বড়বেলার কিছু ফ্যামিলি পিকচার রয়েছে। তবে, কেউ যদি বইতে শাহীনের বলিউড ফিল্ম ফ্যামিলি সম্পর্কে জানা যাবে ভেবে পড়তে আগ্রহী হয়ে থাকেন তবে চূড়ান্ত ধরনের হতাশ হবেন কারন, শাহীনের বিখ্যাত ফ্যামিলি, সে সংক্রান্ত গসিপ বা পরিবার সংশ্লিষ্ট ব্যাক্তিগত গল্প এ বইতে নেই। সব মিলিয়ে ভাল একটা বই, ডিপ্রেশন নিয়ে জানতে আবার হয়তো বুকশেলফ থেকে বইটা নামানো হবে।
Author: Shaheen Bhatt
Genre: Non Fiction/ Autobiography / psychology/ Mental Health
Publication: Penguin Ebury Press
Page Number : 163
Price: 275 Rs.
Rating: 3.75/5
বইটা বেশ হইচই করে রিলিজ হয়েছিল মনে আছে। মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য এবং নিজের মানসিক অসুস্থতার জার্নি নিয়ে বইটা লিখেছেন হালের অত্যন্ত জনপ্রিয় অভিনেত্রী আলিয়া ভাটের বড় বোন এবং নামকরা বলিউড ফিল্ম ডিরেক্টর মহেশ ভাটের মেয়ে মিস শাহীন ভাট। আমি একটু স্কেপ্টিক্যাল ও ছিলাম- সেলিব্রিটির লেখা বই, এমন কিইবা হবে... এ বছর একটা অনলাইন বুক শপে সুন্দর প্রচ্ছদের বইটি দেখে নিজেকে আর ধরে রাখতে পারলাম না, কিনেই ফেললাম।
বইটা একদমই শাহীনের নিজের জীবনের ডিপ্রেশনের পুরো জার্নিটার সামারি নিয়ে লেখা। তার জীবনের ডিপ্রেশনের বিভিন্ন পর্যায়/ধাপগুল�� নিয়ে বইটা সাজিয়ে লেখা। নিজের দুঃখগুলো কি করে তাকে অবসাদগ্রস্থ করে তুললো , এবং সেটা বুঝতে না পেরে দুঃখবোধের সাথে যুদ্ধ করতে করতে তার কতগুলো বছর হেলায় হারিয়ে গেলো তার পর্যায়ক্রমিক গোছানো বর্ণনা রয়েছে। শাহীনের এ বইটির গল্প বর্ণনা বা স্টোরি টেলিং এর ব্যাক এন্ড ফোর্থ ধাঁচের সঙ্গে খাপ খাইয়ে নিতে আমার একটু সময় লেগেছে কিন্তু কিছুদূর যাবার পর আর সমস্যা হয়নি।এটা একটা স্যাড বই। শাহীনের অন্তহীন স্যাডনেসের কথা পড়তে পড়তে দুঃখবোধ মনের মধ্যে প্রভাব ফেলতে শুরু করে। বইটা ডিপ্রেশনের শুরু থেকে শেষ পর্যন্ত বিভিন্ন ভাগে ভাগ করা, আর সে ভাগগুলোর শুরুর পেজে শাহীনের ব্যক্তিগত ডায়েরীর ফটোকপি ধরনের প্রিন্ট দেয়া যেটা কিনা বইটায় একটা বেশ পার্সোনাল টাচ দেয়। পুরো বইটা খুব থটফুলি সাজানো। শুধুমাত্র নিজের মানসিক অসুস্থতার গল্পই নয়, ডিপ্রেশনের বিভিন্ন ক্লিনিক্যাল/সায়েন্টিফিক ব্যাখ্যা বিশ্লেষন বেশ ভাল করে দেয়া আছে এবং সেগুলো সায়েন্স থিওরি ব্যাকড লেখা। বেশ সময় নিয়ে পরিশ্রম করেই শাহীন বিভিন্ন তথ্য উপাত্তসমেত বইটি দাঁড় করিয়েছেন। ডিপ্রেশন সম্পর্কে জানার বেসিক লেভেলের গাইডলাইন হিসেবেও বইটিকে অনায়াসে বেছে নেয়া যায়।
বইটির মুখবন্ধ লিখেছেন শাহীনের বাবা মহেশ ভাট। ভূমিকাটি সুন্দর, ফিলোসফিক্যাল ও শৈল্পিক যা পড়তে গিয়ে মহেশ ভাটের ভাবুক শিল্পী মনের কিছুটা পরিচয় পাওয়া যায়। শাহীনের ছোট ও বড়বেলার কিছু ফ্যামিলি পিকচার রয়েছে। তবে, কেউ যদি বইতে শাহীনের বলিউড ফিল্ম ফ্যামিলি সম্পর্কে জানা যাবে ভেবে পড়তে আগ্রহী হয়ে থাকেন তবে চূড়ান্ত ধরনের হতাশ হবেন কারন, শাহীনের বিখ্যাত ফ্যামিলি, সে সংক্রান্ত গসিপ বা পরিবার সংশ্লিষ্ট ব্যাক্তিগত গল্প এ বইতে নেই। সব মিলিয়ে ভাল একটা বই, ডিপ্রেশন নিয়ে জানতে আবার হয়তো বুকশেলফ থেকে বইটা নামানো হবে।
April 5, 2023
আমি এই যে এখন লিখছি,ঠিক এই সময়টা সুইসাইড বিষয়ক একটা ঘটনা নিয়ে সোশ্যাল মিডিয়াতে বেশ হৈ চৈ চলছে,যে ব্যক্তি সুইসাইড করেছেন,তার লিখা ডেথ নোট অনেকটাই গ্ল্যামারাইজড করা হচ্ছে,যা আমার মতে ঠিক না।এই জিনিসগুলো আমি জানি,আমার মতো সংবেদনশীল মানুষের জন্য যথেষ্ট bothersome.
যেহেতু আমি অন্য মানুষের সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ার কার্যক্রম নিয়ন্ত্রণ করতে পারবোনা,নিজের কার্যক্রম নিয়ন্ত্রণ করতে পারবো,আমি তাই করছি।ঐ বিষয়ের যে কোনো পোস্ট সামনে আসলে এড়িয়ে যাচ্ছি।
এবার আসি I've never been unhappier বইটিতে।বইটি পড়েছি প্রায় ৩-৪ বছর আগে,বইয়ের রিভিউ দিতে গিয়ে উপরের প্যাঁচাল দেয়ার কারন হলো,বইটিতে শাহিন ভাট বেশ অনেক খানি সময়জুড়ে তার মৃত্যুবিষয়ক ভাবনা বলেছেন।নিজের মানসিক কষ্টের দিনগুলোর সময় কিভাবে তাকে মৃত্যুর মত ভয়াবহ ব্যাপার ফ্যাসিনেট করতো,তা তিনি অকপটে লিখেছেন।
মৃত্যু নিয়ে এই ফ্যাসিনেশন হাসান মাহবুবের লেখা "এসিড বৃক্ষের গান" এর কাজল চরিত্রেও ছিলো,পড়তে যেয়ে বেশ কয়েকবার অস্বস্তি হয়েছে,নিজেকে কোনো না কোনা ভাবে এক্সপোজড মনে হয়েছে।
আমার মতো,কাজলের মতো,শাহিন ভাটের মতো ওপারের জীবন নিয়ে আগ্রহ হয়তো অনেকের-ই আসে।কিন্তু একে কোনোভাবেই স্থায়ীরূপ দেয়া যাবেনা,আসক্তিতে পরিণত করা যাবেনা।
শাহিন ভাট ও কিন্তু দেননি।খুব কাছের একজনের মৃত্যু দেখে তিনি বেশ ঘাবড়েই যান,এবং পরবর্তীতে বরং তার একধরনের ফোবিয়ায় তৈরি হয়ে যায় এ নিয়ে।এই মৃত্যুভীতি নিয়ে দিনযাপনের অন্ধকার সময়ের কথাও তিনি বলেছেন।
বইখানা আকারে খুবই ছোট্ট,কিন্তু এর ভেতরের লেখাগুলো বেশ বড় ধরনের প্রভাব ফেলে।অনেকেই বলে ভাট পরিবারের ব্যাপারে শাহিনের আরো লেখা উচিত ছিলো,কিন্তু কেন?
গল্পটা তার ইনফ্যামাস বাবা,অভিনেত্রী-সুন্দরী বোনদের নয়।গল্পটা তার একান্ত ব্যক্তিগত,তার বিচিত্র আবেগ অনুভূতির,গভীর অমানিশায় ডুবে যাওয়ার,আবার ভেসে উঠার।
It was a really really impactful little book for me.
যেহেতু আমি অন্য মানুষের সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ার কার্যক্রম নিয়ন্ত্রণ করতে পারবোনা,নিজের কার্যক্রম নিয়ন্ত্রণ করতে পারবো,আমি তাই করছি।ঐ বিষয়ের যে কোনো পোস্ট সামনে আসলে এড়িয়ে যাচ্ছি।
এবার আসি I've never been unhappier বইটিতে।বইটি পড়েছি প্রায় ৩-৪ বছর আগে,বইয়ের রিভিউ দিতে গিয়ে উপরের প্যাঁচাল দেয়ার কারন হলো,বইটিতে শাহিন ভাট বেশ অনেক খানি সময়জুড়ে তার মৃত্যুবিষয়ক ভাবনা বলেছেন।নিজের মানসিক কষ্টের দিনগুলোর সময় কিভাবে তাকে মৃত্যুর মত ভয়াবহ ব্যাপার ফ্যাসিনেট করতো,তা তিনি অকপটে লিখেছেন।
মৃত্যু নিয়ে এই ফ্যাসিনেশন হাসান মাহবুবের লেখা "এসিড বৃক্ষের গান" এর কাজল চরিত্রেও ছিলো,পড়তে যেয়ে বেশ কয়েকবার অস্বস্তি হয়েছে,নিজেকে কোনো না কোনা ভাবে এক্সপোজড মনে হয়েছে।
আমার মতো,কাজলের মতো,শাহিন ভাটের মতো ওপারের জীবন নিয়ে আগ্রহ হয়তো অনেকের-ই আসে।কিন্তু একে কোনোভাবেই স্থায়ীরূপ দেয়া যাবেনা,আসক্তিতে পরিণত করা যাবেনা।
শাহিন ভাট ও কিন্তু দেননি।খুব কাছের একজনের মৃত্যু দেখে তিনি বেশ ঘাবড়েই যান,এবং পরবর্তীতে বরং তার একধরনের ফোবিয়ায় তৈরি হয়ে যায় এ নিয়ে।এই মৃত্যুভীতি নিয়ে দিনযাপনের অন্ধকার সময়ের কথাও তিনি বলেছেন।
বইখানা আকারে খুবই ছোট্ট,কিন্তু এর ভেতরের লেখাগুলো বেশ বড় ধরনের প্রভাব ফেলে।অনেকেই বলে ভাট পরিবারের ব্যাপারে শাহিনের আরো লেখা উচিত ছিলো,কিন্তু কেন?
গল্পটা তার ইনফ্যামাস বাবা,অভিনেত্রী-সুন্দরী বোনদের নয়।গল্পটা তার একান্ত ব্যক্তিগত,তার বিচিত্র আবেগ অনুভূতির,গভীর অমানিশায় ডুবে যাওয়ার,আবার ভেসে উঠার।
It was a really really impactful little book for me.
July 2, 2020
Wow! I think this has to be the best book I read on depression. And not only because it is so well written but also because it is so relatable. Some of us may not be suffering from depression on that level but we do feel bouts of sadness, loneliness, emotional turmoil, rejection, inferiority, helplessness etc. Life is not easy for any of us. Maybe easier for some than others but it doesn't mean there are people who are never sad. The book feels like a companion who understands every one of these feelings and helps overcome it. While reading this, I wanted to hug Shaheen and tell her she is not alone and that I may not completely understand how she felt but I do understand. While most celebrity books are disappointing, this one did not disappoint. I'm so glad I read it during this pandemic because if life is depressing sometimes, it's probably worse during this pandemic. Reading it during this time made me feel I'm not alone and that someone understands. There were many quotable quotes and beautiful lines I could totally relate to. A short book but definitely recommended. 5/5
January 3, 2019
When I picked up this book I mainly wanted to know what is Mental illness all about because the word ’Depression’ is something I never believed in even when I was going through that phase as a teen. I thought it’s just a reason people give to escape from a situation, I didn’t even spare me sometimes. So I really wanted to know how and why people get into ‘depression’ and this brutally honest book by Shaheen really gave me an insight about the whole thing. Her thoughts were so relatable. It cleared all the misconceptions I had about depression. It takes guts to share your personal experience about this sensitive topic and I applaud her for writing a book on it because this would help a lot of people especially those who are passing through that phase, they would definitely feel they are not alone and that feeling itself is uplifting.
November 8, 2018
I would actually give the book 3.5 stars..
The book revolves around the author’s personal experiences on depression and how she came across it and how her family reacted, how she reacted and came in terms with it.
As the condition was not elaborated on more terms, it was an average read. And what irked me a bit was the extensive use of quotes from other books. Being a short book , with 66 pages or so, it had quite a collection of quotes strewn around.
I did not find it to be eye opening or one of the best reads on depression, but the effort put by the author to write on the her life’s experiences is commendable.
The book revolves around the author’s personal experiences on depression and how she came across it and how her family reacted, how she reacted and came in terms with it.
As the condition was not elaborated on more terms, it was an average read. And what irked me a bit was the extensive use of quotes from other books. Being a short book , with 66 pages or so, it had quite a collection of quotes strewn around.
I did not find it to be eye opening or one of the best reads on depression, but the effort put by the author to write on the her life’s experiences is commendable.
June 29, 2021
"Every cut, every scrape, every hurtful word, every heartbreak, every good or bad thing you have ever done, every mistake you have ever made and so much more come together to make you the beautiful, complex, perfectly messy creature you currently are, and it is precisely this self-definition that makes sadness such a solitary and isolating emotion. Your pain,like your fingerprints, is unique to you."
This book is heartbreakingly beautiful, sad and honest. ❤️
This book is heartbreakingly beautiful, sad and honest. ❤️
November 2, 2018
First timer writer, personal journey of depression and it’s treatment. Repetitive writing bores you after 2-3 pages. Though it’s very short book but took me long to finish as I was not keen to read it daily.
December 23, 2019
I picked this book as I was a little intrigued, but a very disappointing read. This 150 page book could have been finished in 50 pages.
November 1, 2018
I can never forget that conversation I had with one of my best buddies last year, when he told me that his elder brother who was our savior back in the college days, committed suicide just like that. He told me his brother called in the dead of the night and precisely said "Bhai, I am going" and disconnected the call. The very next day as the family returned back to house they found him hanging with the ceiling fan, later they realized that he was depressed for quite a few months but as it happens in our part of the world "Depression" is still not considered a disease and the person going through it should consult a professional and seek help. This was a regular person like you and me going through the rut of daily middle class life. I can also not forget the day it flashed all over the news about Jia Khan's suicide, a successful movie career cut short by a drastic step, reason? same, depression due to fall out with a so called boy friend. I really wondered why super successful and rich people too committed suicide, there are so many examples (no point quoting names) that we all know of so very well. So, when a book like that came out in the market written by a celebrity kid (Mahesh Bhatt's Daughter and Alia Bhatt's Sister) I had to grab it to know what it was all about. On top of that the book is being sold at INR 15/- Only (Kindle Version) as we speak. I have been a fan of her half sister Pooja Bhatt all my life but unfortunately I had no idea of her existence till this book actually came out. That is precisely what she claims is one of the main reason behind her Depression and the unsuccessful suicide attempt she had a while ago.
I initially thought it will be a quick read as the book was hardly 70 odd pages but it took me almost three days to go through her life story, plight and brave attempt to bounce back in life. I just couldn't fathom exactly like she claims she too thought the same that after being born in an illustrious family with loads of fame and money, things could actually go wrong for her. Hardly 29 years of age today, she is been in depression for 15+ years, still going through it but has come out of majority of her issues as she claims in the book. It is not a story that she narrates but just the tidbits of a celebrity kids life from her own family. I was shocked to see that up-to the half mark there was no mention of her own parents, family, siblings, cousins and friends, she was a total loner as if left to fend on her own. Her own set of struggle that is born with a famous last name and expectations from it all. She isn't half as beautiful as her other siblings and she has no talent whatsoever in her to be the part of the world she belongs to by birth. Outcome? Depression. I loved the way she calls a spade a spade in her story and totally blunt about it all as it happens with her, no shying away from the problem or sharing her very personal thoughts with the world. Bravo to the girl as I am sure this book will give strength to so many out there who struggle with the same problem day in day out. The best part of the book is her interaction with her father (Mahesh Bhatt) and his clarity of thoughts. He is anyways famous in good and bad both ways to speak his heart out but the way he talks to his daughter who he knows is going through a rough patch and gives her so much hope, is totally amazing. Also the way she quotes Syliva Plath's words is simply so apt. Those words are definitely worth quoting, although I am too bad in quoting but that is one reason I will say everyone has to read this gem of a book.
There are so many celebrity books out there in the market in today's time that I have been meaning to read but I kept away from them. I am super glad that I picked up this one which is one of the best meaningful book that I have read in a long time. It is much much better than those futile attempts or ghost written books by other celebrity kids making up to bestseller stands. I am doubly sure that neither this book will make a big name of itself nor will be talked about much but it has to be read and recommended big time.
Have you read "I've Never Been (Un)Happier"? or do you plan to read a non-fiction like that?
I initially thought it will be a quick read as the book was hardly 70 odd pages but it took me almost three days to go through her life story, plight and brave attempt to bounce back in life. I just couldn't fathom exactly like she claims she too thought the same that after being born in an illustrious family with loads of fame and money, things could actually go wrong for her. Hardly 29 years of age today, she is been in depression for 15+ years, still going through it but has come out of majority of her issues as she claims in the book. It is not a story that she narrates but just the tidbits of a celebrity kids life from her own family. I was shocked to see that up-to the half mark there was no mention of her own parents, family, siblings, cousins and friends, she was a total loner as if left to fend on her own. Her own set of struggle that is born with a famous last name and expectations from it all. She isn't half as beautiful as her other siblings and she has no talent whatsoever in her to be the part of the world she belongs to by birth. Outcome? Depression. I loved the way she calls a spade a spade in her story and totally blunt about it all as it happens with her, no shying away from the problem or sharing her very personal thoughts with the world. Bravo to the girl as I am sure this book will give strength to so many out there who struggle with the same problem day in day out. The best part of the book is her interaction with her father (Mahesh Bhatt) and his clarity of thoughts. He is anyways famous in good and bad both ways to speak his heart out but the way he talks to his daughter who he knows is going through a rough patch and gives her so much hope, is totally amazing. Also the way she quotes Syliva Plath's words is simply so apt. Those words are definitely worth quoting, although I am too bad in quoting but that is one reason I will say everyone has to read this gem of a book.
There are so many celebrity books out there in the market in today's time that I have been meaning to read but I kept away from them. I am super glad that I picked up this one which is one of the best meaningful book that I have read in a long time. It is much much better than those futile attempts or ghost written books by other celebrity kids making up to bestseller stands. I am doubly sure that neither this book will make a big name of itself nor will be talked about much but it has to be read and recommended big time.
Have you read "I've Never Been (Un)Happier"? or do you plan to read a non-fiction like that?
November 2, 2020
A beautiful book written on mental illness. It's about the experience of the author, Shaheen Bhatt, D/o Mahesh Bhatt, who has gone through depression for over 20 years now. I loved reading this book from the very start of her writing, i.e., preface and till the last page.
There are two kinds of people when somebody says they're depressed, one, they're really going through a very hard phase, which cannot be put in words, they go through lots of therapies and medication, and the second, who don't understand the intensity of what depression is all about, and start being so hard on themselves.
The author has made that point in a very good way that anybody can understand what depression is and what they go through. She has also written about suicide, anxiety, eating disorders, therapies, insecurities, body-shaming, peer pressure, parenting and how all of them are inter-related.
I really want to give Shaheen a big hug for making such a brave step to talk about what she has gone through. I'd recommend this to somebody who wants to know about mental illness and depression.
There are two kinds of people when somebody says they're depressed, one, they're really going through a very hard phase, which cannot be put in words, they go through lots of therapies and medication, and the second, who don't understand the intensity of what depression is all about, and start being so hard on themselves.
The author has made that point in a very good way that anybody can understand what depression is and what they go through. She has also written about suicide, anxiety, eating disorders, therapies, insecurities, body-shaming, peer pressure, parenting and how all of them are inter-related.
I really want to give Shaheen a big hug for making such a brave step to talk about what she has gone through. I'd recommend this to somebody who wants to know about mental illness and depression.
November 24, 2018
That’s some bold and powerful writing, this book. It takes a lot of courage to write about your lowest points in life, and Shaheen Bhatt has done just that while still providing hope and inspiration to others who are suffering from depression. This topic is not something that was even discussed inside closed doors, forget publicly, until a few years back. I had no awareness about it myself and in hindsight, I realised I was probably suffering from some form of postpartum depression in the first 6 months after my son was born - mood swings, inexplicable crying, this unease that used to set in around 6 PM, an unmistakable sense of foreboding that something is going to go awfully wrong, all this while I was surrounded by my family and friends. I wish I’d known then what it was and maybe I would’ve gotten some help.
So I’m glad Shaheen Bhatt has written about her experiences, because words have power - the power to change, to inspire or at least to console and give hope that all is not lost and one is not alone. I especially liked the bit about how everyone has to define their own meaning for “normal” and not aspire to someone else’s “normal” which may or may not work for us.
I found this book an uplifting read.
So I’m glad Shaheen Bhatt has written about her experiences, because words have power - the power to change, to inspire or at least to console and give hope that all is not lost and one is not alone. I especially liked the bit about how everyone has to define their own meaning for “normal” and not aspire to someone else’s “normal” which may or may not work for us.
I found this book an uplifting read.
July 1, 2020
‘I’ve Never Been [Un]happier’ by @shaheenb talks about Shaheen’s own struggle with anxiety and depression and it resonates strongly with the Issue grappling the whole country after lead actor Sushant’s death. What is depression? How to deal with it? How to differentiate between anxiety and depression? These are just a few of the many questions that the author answers. Although I would have loved to know more about Shaheen’s personal experiences instead of the many bookish definitions of psychological terms that bored me in parts, I felt that it takes a lot of courage for a person to come out of their dark closet and talk about their mental problems and so Shaheen, kudos to you! You are not alone and we all will fight it together :)
Rated: 2.5/5 stars 🌟
Rated: 2.5/5 stars 🌟
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