Like No Other – A Book on Mental Health by a Sri Lankan

Mental Health is one of the most stigmatized discussion topics in the world. In Asian cultures in particular we often find openly discussing mental health issues to be taboo. Yet, a young writer is defying the norm with her latest book and social media handles that encourage everyone to speak out. 

“Like No Other” is based on experience and therefore carries an authenticity backed by so much emotion. It all started when the writer herself was battling depression and anxiety from 2012 – 2019. She was searching for a book written by someone who had been through similar situations in life but the closest she could find was Nick Vujicic’s book ‘Life Without Limits’. However, this book too wasn’t directly related to what she was going through as it was about a physical disability. In the search for a book that would become her guide out of her situation, she decided that the best way was to write it herself. 

Most often than not those struggling with mental health disorders are looked at differently and are labeled as ‘crazy’. Most people are afraid to seek professional help because they’re scared that they may be looked at this way. This mindset needs to be changed, and that is one attempt that the book makes. The other is to educate broader society, and create more awareness on the issues.  

The writer hopes that through the book those suffering in silence will see the light at the end of the tunnel. The book is meant to take on the persona of a supportive sibling or friend that you can turn to with any trouble or turmoil. The contents are raw and personal, and therefore will appeal to even the most severely affected.  

The book will be out in early October, and the writer hopes to continue raising awareness from a victim’s perspective, hoping to shed light on the lesser-known side of mental health. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the movement in changing people’s mindsets about mental health because mental health is as important (if not more important) as a person’s physical health.