Review of Me and Depression

[Catherine Sweet]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Me and Depression" by Rifat Begum.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Me and Depression by Rifat Begum is a memoir about living with loss and mental ill health. The book includes Rifat’s diary entries from a difficult period and more recent reflections.

Rifat went through traumatic times when she had a stillborn son and a daughter who died as a baby. Her family also suffered when her brother lost five of his eight children. She was devastated when she heard about the Lucy Letby case and felt inspired to share her story. Rifat struggled to cope with her losses, and she got depressed. She found the smallest task difficult and didn’t want to leave the house. She worried about everything and felt anxious and insecure. Rifat is a Muslim, and her faith comforted her.

Rifat also suffers from physical ill health, including recurring hernias. Her son has Thalassaemia, and this requires hospital visits. She explains what she has done to cope with depression, such as changing daily habits to lose weight and be more active. There are positive parts to the book. One is when Rifat gets a job as a dinner lady at a school and later becomes a teaching assistant. Another is Rifat’s lovely relationship with her husband.

Rifat writes openly and honestly about her thoughts and feelings. The writing is engaging and conversational. Her anger about what has happened is palpable and makes her real and relatable. She feels empathy for other sufferers and offers support through her book. Rifat’s character comes across well, and readers will cheer her on as they read about her life. It is interesting to read a story by a Muslim woman and hear about her perspective on life.

I think more information in the book would have been an improvement. For example, I would have liked to know more about Rifat’s career in education, why this has made her more confident, and how this has impacted her mental health. I would also be interested to know why she decided not to take anti-depressants. There are errors in the text, and I think the book would benefit from more editing.

This book would appeal to readers who want to improve their understanding of depression. The story is easy to read and gives an insight into living with mental illness. I have taken two stars off for the points made in the penultimate paragraph. I award this book 3 out of 5 stars.

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Me and Depression
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

Depression lately has received a lot of recognition in the media and everyday conversation. But the there are still many things about it that I still do not understand. I think this book would give me a front row seat about depression and have an in-depth exposure to it. Thank you for penning this review. The errors were a huge let-down, and I hope the author revises them quickly before it turns off another reader.

[Benita Ogarekpe]

I don’t think this book is quite up my alley. It just borders on topics that are sensitive for me, but this is a great review and I think people who aren’t triggered by these topics will have a good time reading this book.

[Gerry Steen]

I thank the author for sharing her story of her struggle with mental illness. She may inspire others to cope with and accept mental illness as a part of life for many people.