Whitney Goodman talks about how to own our emotions and keep them real instead of masking them in times of distress. The world is obsessed with being happy and there is an overkill of good vibes that suppress the authentic emotions and connection between the mind and the heart, says the psycho-therapist author and tells the readers to free themselves from the pressure to be always positive
The key to happiness is not about silencing negativity in ourselves and in others. When faced with illness, loss, breakups and other challenges, there is little space for talking about our real feelings and processing them, he writes. Acknowledging true emotions is the healthiest way to move forward. Goodman wonders if positivity alone is the panacea for all difficulties, then why are so many of us anxious, depressed, and burned out? The path to mental growth and physical wellness is to show the real you to heal past your wounds. If someone has it worse, then why can’t he or she be sad? If there is something to be grateful for, gratitude must be the only emotion. Asking people to be happy all the time is like hiding behind a mass of fake joy.
Overdose of positivity is toxic and increases feelings of shame, inadequacy and isolation. It might originate from good intentions, but it does not do us any favors, the author writes and offers a refreshing guide to experience and work through difficult emotions. He highlights latest research, everyday examples and client stories that reveal how damaging toxic positivity is to ourselves and our relationships. “Shaming ourselves for experiencing a normal, biologically programmed response to a stimulus isn’t going to lead us anywhere. It’s just going to end in more pretensions, concealing and unhappiness,” the author writes.
Aparna Raje, former CEO and Piramal family member, and mother of two shares the story of her two-decades struggle against bipolar disorder. It made her realise how remaining silent about mental health issues results in the loneliness and isolation of those who suffer from them and aggravates sadness in those who love them.
Raje’s story is one of courage and hope and it is her resolve to help others. Also known as manic depresssion, her disorder is characterized by extreme shifts in moods and energy levels, leading to euphoric highs and damaging lows. The author tells the story of her vulnerability and resilience and how she learnt to come to terms with her condition.
A combination of a memoir, reportage and self-help guide, Chemical Khichdi tries to empathetically remove stigma associated with mental illness. The book presents ‘seven therapies’ as a hopeful and helpful pathway for those with mental health conditions and their loved ones, with the message that it is possible to thrive with a vulnerability.
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