I was initially introduced to the author Matt Haig by my therapist – she suggested I should read his book ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ as she felt it was something uplifting and I would enjoy it. As soon as she mentioned it was about his own personal journey of depression, I knew I needed to read it for myself. Somehow I always seem to feel that unless the person has felt depression themselves then I don’t think anyone else will ever truly be able to explain it or understand it or even write about it in the same way. As soon as our therapy session was over, I excitedly hopped onto Amazon and ordered his book and waited eagerly for it to arrive.

I finished the book the same day as it arrived. I cried reading it – I couldn’t stop. Finally, I didn’t feel so alone and someone else out there had written about the way I feel. I could relate to all the things he mentioned. The pain and hurt inside my bones – he felt it too. I wish the book didn’t end. It’s a very short and easy read. ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ is a number one Sunday Times bestseller and I could see exactly why. I felt as though I knew him and he is someone who understands. Something you search for in every being you meet – somebody who just understands. His book is beautifully written, his words offer hope, something that you quickly lose in the depths of your depression. That is the most poisonous thing about depression, it leaves you feeling hopeless. It tells you there is no future here for you. It says there is no point hanging around. Depression lies to you. Depression make you feel empty and alone. Like nobody will ever begin to understand you. Matt Haig cleverly outlines this in his book. Just by reading his words, I suddenly felt a little less alone in this very busy and chaotic word. He shares his life and his struggles so honestly and openly, something I wish more people would do. I feel like there is something for everyone in this book. It’s an insightful and incredibly eye-opening for many others despite experiencing mental health problems or not. The chapters in this book are very short and although at first even the thought of reading is off-putting but when you are reading something that resonates with you then you cannot stop.

Something I always mention to my therapist and everyone I speak to is remember everyone’s experience with depression is completely different. You have to learn that when something works for one person it won’t always work to me or you. We are all different, special and unique in our own way and just like that our brain are wired differently. I have learnt not to compare but to be able to relate and have an understanding that ultimately we all feel the darkness and pain inside.

This leads to me to say that if you are struggling with depression or someone you know then I could not recommend this book enough. The world needs more people like Matt Haig. At times I go back and reach for this book, I re-read certain chapters, and his honest and beautiful words are a source of comfort for me.

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