SOPHIE LI

Author-illustrator

Book Quote #4: “The veil of happiness”

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You don’t think in depression that you’ve put on a gray veil and are seeing the world through the haze of a bad mood. You think that the veil has been taken away, the veil of happiness, and that now you’re seeing truly.

– The Noonday Demon, Andrew Solomon

This quote came back to haunt me as I was working on my own novel, which involves the topic of mental health. I never had depression (or at least was not formally diagnosed), but I imagine that if I did, this would be how I feel.

By the way, The Noonday Demon is a phenomenal book.

What do you think about this quote? Do you have any favourite quotes, relating to mental health or otherwise?

I am also looking for books (fiction or non-fiction) that talks about depression and mental health. If you have recommendations, please share!

 

Cheers,

Sophie

Sophie Li

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4 responses to “Book Quote #4: “The veil of happiness””

  1. natalias2cents Avatar
    natalias2cents

    Sophie, this is an interesting post as well as the quote. I have personally delt with ( and sometimes still deal with) debilitating bouts of depression associated with being bipolar with depression. For me the veil conceals or clouds what true reality is. Perception takes on a distored forms that mimics an internal war to decipher between truth and falsehoods.

    There is a quote, “Hurt people hurt people.” This statement alone speaks of those hurting and of being hurt. Durning the painful and sometimes dangerous cycle of a bipolar episode the pain is usually mental warfare self-inflicted by harsh self-judgement and negative self-talk.

    I can only speak from personal experiences I would like to add. I would rather take the blame for all that has gone wrong as a result of battling my own demons of depression than to burden others and expressing to them their wrongs. To some degree I willingly carry the burdens in silence. I contine the tiresome and hurtful pattern of harsh self-judgement which continues the cycle of an emotional rollercoaster.

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    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your experience with depression and bipolar. It seems to be a terrible illness. I can’t think of any words that can ease your pain.

      I love the quote that you shared. We hurt others when we are hurt, and we should recognize that often times the people who hurt us are hurt themselves. Sometimes we are our worst critics.

      Take care, and continue doing the things you love.

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  2. Stella's Journey Avatar
    Stella’s Journey

    Such a meaningful quote. I enjoy the way you present them. For a read I would suggest “Dream House” by Marzia Bisognin. I read it about a year ago, it was such a unique book. I think that you might enjoy it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thanks! The Dream House seems like an interesting book, I’ll add it to my tbr 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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