Reasons to Stay Alive

a genuine-feeling, encouraging little memoir.

it's a quick read. it wouldn't be the worst choice if you're someone struggling with your mental health and are looking for something to relate to for the first time. you may find it helpful.

if you've read the midnight library, you'll find similar elements between it and this memoir. no staggering insights, but it's fun to connect the dots.

he does romanticize the idea of depression and anxiety as being things that help show the true beauty of life and conductive to creativity and greatness. i think there is some truth to that. but it's also a dangerous notion, the idea that if only you could live with these terrible, dark things within you, flirting with them, you will be a stronger person.

which isn't to say it's impossible to manage your anxiety and depression on your own. but if it's severely affecting your life, if you have the resources to i highly recommend finding a therapist you're compatible with, which can be an entire ordeal by itself, and considering if medication would be helpful.

it was okay.