Book Review
Title: Why do I feel so sad?
Your pathway to healing depression
Author: Dr Shefali Batra
Publisher: Jaico, 2023
Pages: 303
Mental health is as important as physical health, if
not more so. Depression is a very common psychological problem all over the
world and it requires due attention. By 2030, depression will be the second
leading problem worldwide in the health sector, according to various studies.
The WHO states that 75% of people with psychological problems do not receive
any treatment. For 1.3 billion people, India has only 8,000 psychiatrists, as the
Foreword to this book points out.
This book is an excellent companion
and guide for anyone looking for help in dealing with depression. It gives you
the theoretical frameworks related to each of the topics under consideration
and then goes on to provide very practical solutions or suggestions.
The book is divided into five parts
whose titles are self-explanatory.
1. Know the enemy if you want
to fight it
2. Thoughts rule you, but
when twisted they could fool you [Cognitive Behavioural Model of Depression]
3. Pave the way for a new
style of thinking [Techniques to break cognitive distortions]
4. To start making it better,
stop making it worse [Lifestyle and behavioural contributors to depression]
5. This is the beginning of
your new life
The chapters are interspersed with certain relevant
exercises like the one below. They help us understand our problems with
required clarity and then to grapple with them effectively. 
[Click on image to enlarge it.]
“The best student isn’t one with the
highest IQ or sharpest memory, but one who’s willing to unlearn what hasn’t
worked, and relearn from basics, what might,” the author tells us. Distorted
thinking is an acute problem especially for those who are struggling with
depression. Having gone through more than one serious bout of depression, I
know how painfully wrong my thinking was in those days.
Making mistakes is not the problem.
Not learning the lessons from them is. “Falling is not the same as failure.”
When your actions lead you to your desired goal(s), you are a winner. Failing is
missing the target. However, you don’t have to give up. Giving up is the real failure,
in other words. “Failure is when you perform no action, don’t try, and
resultantly don’t evolve at all.” Life is about endeavours. Achievements come
along too. But it is important to remember that not every trek will get you to
the summit.
It is worth taking this trek with Dr
Shefali Batra if you are having problems with yourself psychologically. Let me
end this brief review with yet another quote from the book. “To have depression
is to have no motivation; no motivation to wake up, no motivation to socialize,
no motivation to live. It is a crushing weight that you just need some support
to lift.” This book is an eminent support you can rely on.
PS.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteGood review of what appears to be a practical book. YAM xx
Delighted to see you here, Yamini.
DeleteSounds like an informative book.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteThis book offers a thorough and practical approach to understanding and managing depression. By combining theoretical frameworks with actionable advice and exercises, it seems like a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their mental health. Happy Wednesday. Wishing you the best week. Excited for you to read my new post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/why-your-face-ages-and-how-to-address-it.html
ReplyDeleteYes, it's an eminently handy book for those who struggle with depression.
DeleteI like the fact that it has exercises. A call to action fulfills the purpose and gives and idea on how to go about shedding the weight. Depression has really become a plague as it becomes difficult to keep pace with the world.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is very pragmatic as well.
DeleteI loved the quote on what makes a good student. It's so true. If we would spend more time in understanding what makes us tick or what triggers us, we'll all be in a healthier frame of mind.
ReplyDeleteThe theoretical framework of this book is cognitive behavioural psychology which is all about understanding our thoughts and feelings and attitudes.
DeleteI think the best thing about this book is it offers exercises to practice to reduce the depressive thoughts. I hope these exercises help the readers in uplifting their mood.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you, Sir, for choosing this book to read and review. Not many readers like to read books on mental health. Thanks for sharing your review with us.
ReplyDeleteI got a complimentary copy 😊
DeleteSeems like an essential read for not only those battling with depression but also to spread awareness about mental health
ReplyDeleteI will make an honest confession today, I actually wonder what keeps me going, dont I feel stressed or depressed anytime. Is my life that simple that I never get depressed. I too have countless problems in my life but I dont allow it to take charge of my mind and if you know how to be happy with little then trust me depression will never ever take control on you. Man Kharap rahna ka matlab depression nahi hota ha... these days almost everyone I found saying Ihe or she went through depression- Do they really know what is depression? I guess this book will help them to understand it better.
ReplyDelete'The best student isn’t one with the highest IQ or sharpest memory, but one who’s willing to unlearn what hasn’t worked, and relearn from basics.'
ReplyDeleteSo true. Sounds like an insightful book.
And it's a nice review.
From your review, I can conclude it is a practical guide to healing from depression , most of it make sense and the exercises enforce some call to action.Depression cannot go away by just reading about it , it needs constant working on your thoughts and actions.
ReplyDelete"To have depression is to have no motivation; no motivation to wake up, no motivation to socialize, no motivation to live. It is a crushing weight that you just need some support to lift" these words hit hard. In today's day and age where hustle and multi-tasking are taking a toll on us, this book seems to be a good guide.
ReplyDeleteSeems like an insightful book, though I haven't read much of self help in the recent past...probably this may be a good pick.
ReplyDeleteThe book equipped with tools such as checklists and worksheets is the best feature of a self-help book. The author's efforts will be highly successful.
ReplyDeleteThis review beautifully captures the essence of Dr. Shefali Batra's book on depression. The balance between theoretical insights and practical exercises, as outlined in your post, makes it sound like an invaluable resource for those grappling with depression. I particularly resonate with the quote, "Falling is not the same as failure." It’s a powerful reminder that even during our toughest moments, it’s the persistence that counts. Your review reflects not only the book’s importance but also the urgency of addressing mental health, a topic that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea that the book lets us take initiative/responsibility by examining our thoughts and perceptions. Hope this helps people with depression.
ReplyDeleteWhat seems to set the book apart if that beyond guiding, it also includes practical exercises. 100% on the will to unlearn what hasn’t worked, and relearn from basics. One tends to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results. It feels like the safest option.
ReplyDelete