I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee

Baek Sehee writes about the contradictory nature of sadness in this honest and candid memoir. She talks about how people with depression want to terminate their lives but yet crave minor pleasures like tteokbokki, a typical Korean street dish. This book gives Sri Lankan readers who are dealing with their own mental health issues a deep look into despair, anxiety, and the universal human experience of looking for meaning in pain. The cultural relevance comes from its honest look at how mental health issues are looked down upon in both Korean and Sri Lankan society.

This best-selling book is mostly made up of Baek's transcribed therapy sessions, which provide readers a close look at how therapy works. Sri Lankans who have trouble getting mental health help and breaking cultural taboos around mental health issues can relate to her honest self-exploration. The book connects Eastern and Western ideas about mental health and gives readers useful advice on how to better understand their own emotions.

Baek writes in a simple yet powerful way about feelings that many Sri Lankans may have but find hard to put into words. Her journey from despair to slow healing gives hope without making false promises, since mental health recovery isn't always a straight line. This book is a friend to anyone in Sri Lanka, whether they live in a busy city or a quiet rural location. It helps people face their inner demons, which can be a lonely trip.

Quote

"I'm trying to understand why my mind works the way it does. I believe understanding is the beginning of change."

Reviews

Baek's complete honesty regarding her therapy sessions was like a revelation to me. I have had identical experiences, therefore reading my ideas written down so clearly made me feel less alone. A must-read for anyone dealing with their mental health.

About the Author

Baek Sehee is a Korean artist who has been a social media content manager and now has an Instagram account with millions of followers. Her open writing about her own mental health problems in published therapy sessions made her a famous writer. She works and resides in Seoul, South Korea.

Product Details

Author: Baek Sehee

Language: English

Binding: Paperback