Speaking as his present self to his former self in the depths of depression, Matt is adamant that the oldest cliché is the truest-there is light at the end of the tunnel. Above all, his humor and encouragement never let us lose sight of hope. Matt’s frankness about his experiences is both inspiring to those who feel daunted by depression and illuminating to those who are mystified by it.

It’s part memoir, part advice for those who live with someone suffering from depression and anxiety, and part gentle, uplifting encouragement for those suffering that things will indeed get better. And eventually, he learned to appreciate life all the more for it.Įveryone’s lives are touched by mental illness: if we do not suffer from it ourselves, then we have a friend or loved one who does. Reasons to Stay Alive is his powerful account of his experience with crippling depression and anxiety. The book follows Haig’s experience with depression and anxiety, particularly his mental health crisis at the age of 24, and his subsequent ascent toward mental wellbeing. After publication, it went on to become a worldwide bestseller. Like nearly one in five people, Matt Haig suffers from depression. Reasons to Stay Alive is Matt’s inspiring account of how, minute by minute and day by day, he overcame the disease with the help of reading, writing, and the love of his parents and his girlfriend (and now-wife), Andrea. Reasons to Stay Alive (2015) is a memoir with elements of traditional nonfiction by British author Matt Haig.

Reasons to live matt haig