Reasons to Stay Alive

A short, brilliant book about one man's experience of depression and anxiety that has universal relevance. Matt Haig shares his journey from a suicidal bout of depression in his early 20s, to his current status as a happily married family man, published author and general beacon of light in an increasingly dark world.

The book is open and honest and Haig is great at simply describing what he felt and what he did to come through to the other side. He's not “cured”. There is no cure. Life isn't that simple. But he now has tools to manage the onset of anxiety and black moods.

If you have suffered from depression, read this (but maybe not if you're in the depths right now). If you know someone who is suffering, read this. A better understanding of the causes, symptoms and tools to manage your mental well-being can only be beneficial. This book isn't a self-help guide. It's simply the tale of one man's struggle to rebuild himself. But if we can draw something, anything from his story, then it will help.

Be kind to yourselves.

Matt Haig wrote “The Midnight Library” and I thought it was very thought-provoking. Through reading that, I found out he suffered with mental illness (depression/anxiety/panic disorder) for much of his life to an extreme degree. This memoir beautifully speaks of how he has managed to cope and manage it without drugs. After a major crisis at age 24, Matt has married, has 2 kids, and continues to write. I think he invaded my body. His story is my story but I chose to take meds. Matt is an inspiration to all of us who deal with these issues everyday.

Sometimes the only thing that keeps me from drowning completely in a sea of darkness is knowing that someone else understand this, that there is someone else who experiences the infinite black ocean with me. Sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is the thought that I am not as alone as my mind wants me to believe.