Euthymia Syndrome is a philosophical-fictional story inspired by author Asmita Sen’s real struggle with epilepsy and a near-death experience.
Writing, for her, became a way to cope and reflect especially after years of emotional suppression, family misunderstandings, and self-image issues in a traditional Indian household.
I could relate to some of these feelings.
The title comes from Seneca’s idea of true mental calm, not just confidence. The author connects this with the medical meaning of “euthymia” in bipolar disorder, blending philosophy and psychology in a unique way.
Though I wasn’t familiar with Greek literature before to this extent, this book made me curious to learn more to understand the alter egos.
The protagonist, a deeply creative woman, forgets or rejects her real name. Instead, she creates alter egos like Hera Cleopatra, Bona Dea, and Medusa who represent parts of her inner self and become her chosen family to navigate through her life I think. Here the story leaps in a place where the lines blur often between reality and illusion.
Through this, she explores pain, healing, rebellion, and identity. Reading the book felt like diving into a deep, mysterious ocean. As I went deeper, it became harder to tell where I was going. The author has absolutely mindblowing writing skill I have to say. Her's is poetic, metaphor rich language to express emotions that are hard to explain or understand at times but still strikingly beautiful.
Having seen a family member suffer from hallucinations, I understand how hard it is for both the person and those around them to explain and comprehend such experiences and why family support, empathy, and mental health awareness are so important, I feel author has put forward her heart and soul in this book showcasing her immense courage as well because each of our experiences of such unexplainable complexities in life is so different, it at times is mostly impossible to describe to anyone or understand someone else's too clearly but none the less people must share their truth. Its the way towards healing.
Though its not a book meant for everyone, not at all for beginners but these kind of read ask for time, patience and understanding from a particular section of readers who are interested to understand and contemplate deeper. And it is an intense, honest, and emotionally brave writing.