The Triumph of Optimism over Depression in Wendy Mitchell's Somebody I Used to Know

Authors

  • P. Johanna Jenifer PG & Research Department of English, Jamal Mohamed College (Autonomous),Tiruchirappalli – 620020

Keywords:

Dementia, Hope, Determination, Transformation, Optimism, Memory.

Abstract

Resilience in the face of depression is a remarkable ability that the human mind must possess. Maintaining a positive outlook amidst turbulent times is difficult. Life, as unpredictable as it is, brings joy as well as agony. At the crossroads, Individuals who choose optimism over depression tend to make the most of their lives and as a result live a content life though the storm rages about them. Wendy Mitchell's memoir, Somebody I Used to Know, is an illuminating journey through the labyrinth of dementia and the manifold challenges it puts along the way. Her positive mindset has a profound impact on her coping mechanisms. Positivity shines in all aspects of her life including her language, her reaction to the painful challenges and her response to the worsening symptoms of dementia. By examining Mitchell's narrative, this paper seeks to unravel the threads of optimism woven into the fabric of her story, shedding light on the transformative power of the same in the realm of mental health challenges.

References

Mitchell, Wendy, and Anna Wharton. Somebody I Used to Know: a memoir. Ballantine Books, 2018.

Learner, Sue. “Wendy Mitchell on living with early onset dementia.” homecare.co.uk, 2024, homecare.co.uk/advice/wendy-mitchell-on-living-with-early-onset-dementia

“Young-onset dementia.” Alzheimer’s Society, alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/young-onset-dementia

Published

2024-09-13

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2024): Jamal Academic Research Journal-An Interdisciplinary (JARJ)

Section

Articles

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