Catherine Prendergast mentioned that when one is speaking as a mentally disabled subject then society sees that person as an invalid subject who is incapable of making rational decisions. And that is why others decide what is best for them without fathoming their state. So, life writing of mentally disables not only presents personal experiences but also educate the society about the struggles of mentally disables in an ableist world. These writings are momentous in situating mentally disables as the sane members of society. In Indian society, mentally disables are often blamed for their situation. It is important to mention that depression, a major mental disability, is often disregarded in our society. Depressed people are often advised to ‘be happy’, ‘stay positive’, ‘do exercise’ and ‘it is all in your mind’. Albert Ellis asserted that depression is actually the result of the ideal ‘should’ and ‘musts’ a person is supposed to adhere to in a society. In a country where mental health is the most neglected health care system it becomes arduous for a depressed person to seek help. The false notions and stigmas attached to depression makes it gruelling to understand it and it is because of this reason there are scarce representations of depression in Indian English literature. By writing an honest account of her father who internalized the stigmas attached to depression and blamed himself for his situation as well as her own battle of overcoming depression, Prabhu has written a gem. Acknowledging Prabhu’s brave attempt, this paper will limn a critical study of how Prabhu’s memoir delineates depressed individuals’ plight and discards the myths associated with depression.
Assistant Professor, Department of English, Bhagini Nivedita College, NCWEB Centre, University of Delhi
