Reasons to Stay Alive Kindle Edition

I enjoyed reading Matt's book on his experience of going through depression; it's part autobiography, part self-help manual - there is very much a sense of the author putting things back in place, mapping out the topography of his own mind and discovering a place where he can comfortably be himself. By putting it all down on paper, he is exorcising the demons in the darkness by exposing them to the light of public examination.As someone who has also been through the experience of depression for many years and has also arrived at incredibly similar conclusions after coming out the other side, I recognise completely the numb, bleak, monochromatic existence that he describes; the endless days ahead, the wasted days behind. The inability to realise that you have an impact on others, that you even matter. That anything matters.But it was this that made the 'depression years' in the book seem almost as turgid and endless as going through the experience again for real; by the 80th page, I really was feeling bleak; I started to recognise that familiar 'me me me' narrative that so bored me about myself when I was depressed and talking about it with friends, and reading the book itself almost became like a microcosm of battling with depression itself: were things really going to get better? Would I really start enjoying this book before it was too late? What was wrong with me for not feeling the same joyous giddiness that all the celebs on the covers evidenced in their soundbite quotes? Was I hateful for writing a less-than-glowing review of Matt's very personal and revealing book, risking hurting his feelings for my own subjective self-satisfaction?Even though this opening part of the book was bleak and uncomfortable to read, I accepted it for what it was and struggled through, adopting the maxim that sometimes, just keeping going is a victory for positivity. There were times when I came close to ending it all and closing the book for good, but - without checking the exact page count - I think the sun finally started to come out after 100 pages. That was too much for me as a depressive to get much out of - it was a hard read; it seemed to be there to function as a 'window into the nightmare' for those who haven't experienced it. They might find it useful, but although cases of depression seem to have similar themes and motifs, they vary in context as much as the sufferers themselves are unique individuals.After that, when the book deals with where his head's at now, it gets easier. But these are things I wanted more detail on - there are lots of lists, and very very short chapters all through this book, which make it easier to pick up and get into - but they also make the reading experience frustratingly insubstantial at times. Maybe there's something to this book leading the advance against the taboo of depression and suicide - if that's the case, then I hope it performs the function of getting it out into the public arena once and for all.There were times, when reading, that I felt that pang of wonder and dread that comes when you know exactly what the next sentence is going to be - and there are times when that same sensation of knowing felt like something jaded and predictable; similarly, there were times when I felt the tone of the narrative to be a gentle one, speaking great truths, but it also felt at later times like I was a bed-bound patient being ministered by someone with the bedside manner of Alan Titchmarsh; oozing soothingness and calm to a poor ill person.Life has brought me to the same conclusions as Matt, though; that's a sign we're both going the right way.A very thought-provoking read that isn't the magical work of profundity that the publishers seem to want to market it as - that's far too much expectation to have for what is essentially a very humble enterprise; that of an author working through what happened to him in the most natural way possible for him - via his pen. It is a work of kindness, and of good intention; it is a work of reason, and a testament to the powers of the mind; but I feel that it's being hyped into something that the author never intended it to be.This book is useful for those who wish to get an idea of what it feels like to go through depression. It would also be useful to someone in the middle of a depressive episode, I suppose. Personally I was both pleased and disappointed by this book - pleased that we had arrived at almost exactly the same perspective on life, but disappointed that I could therefore only confirm my existing beliefs rather than challenge them and learn something new.Finally, my views on happiness, how to find it, and how to keep it (as Matt finishes in the same way himself):1) All that exists is the moment of 'now'. Everything else - the past and the future - is in your head. Leave the past behind you; it has gone. By being positive in the present moment, you are sowing seeds of good possibilities for the future; there is no need to dwell modbidly on what is yet to happen.2) Being kind to others, and having your actions affect others in a positive way will make all parties a lot happier.3) Diversity of choice produces stress, not happiness. Keep it simple.4) Don't let your mind tell you downers. When you catch yourself having miserable thoughts, take positive action be reinforcing the upbeat, truthful alternative - even if you don't feel like you are.5) Your mind can be trained like a dog. A repeated action becomes a habit after three weeks or so. Acquire positive habits, drop the negative ones.6) Don't judge. It's not as simple as 'succeed' or 'fail'. Just accept and be open to what is.7) Exercise makes the body happy8) EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT.9) Your good mood deserves protection - it is fragile and valuable. Your good mood is stronger than the bad mood of others.10) You can always do better tomorrow.11) People feel happier if they have a purpose.12) Everyone's life is different. Everyone comes to terms with their life in their own way.Ultimately I'm a bit disappointed by this book, but I totally recognise the story; I liked it without getting as excited as everyone else seems to be doing.

I've suffered with major depressive disorder for 20 years, with the additional gift of intermittent anxiety and a touch of OCD. No one has explained the types of thoughts/feelings/experiences that I have had like Matt Haig does in Reasons to Stay Alive. His writing his honest, brutal, familiar, hilarious, and touching. After I talked about this book, my mom bought it so she could understand what I was going through. Then she had my dad read it. I also had my cousin read it; she's studying psychology. I have very recently experienced a very bad depressive episode and was feeling suicidal. I am currently in an Intensive Outpatient Program to get the help I need. I told the dozen or so people in my program about this book, about half of them bought it the next day, and all of them immediately found value in it. If you have a mental illness, you should read this book. If you know someone who has a mental illness, you should read this book. If you work in the medical field, you should read this book. Heck, considering 20-25% of humanity will be affected by depression, you all will know someone affected by mental illness, so everyone should read this book.

Beautiful, brilliant, engaging and honest; I can highly recommend this book.However, Haig writes more about anxiety and panic attacks than it is about depression, per se. Haig has a complex of symptoms, clearly, that fall into a variety of categories and I commend him for writing openly about his personal experiences. But for someone who is dealing with more of a melancholia or pure depression (whether clinical or not), I would suggest reading "Darkness Before Dawn," editor Tami Simon.That said, there are many uplifting bits that I resonated with (I align within a stronger depressive spectrum than Haig does, or at least from what he wrote) like, for instance, his chapter titled "In praise of thin skins" -- extraordinary piece. And, as it happens, most of what he lists in "How to live (forty pieces of advice...)" are what I have found to be true as well during my own lifelong journey with melancholia, but especially since a suicidal attempt in my mid-twenties more than 30 years ago. His "reasons to stay" list didn't affect me very much because I've found "how to live" habits to provide more resilience and impetus, overall, and through the long haul, than "reasons to stay."

As someone who has struggled with mental illness all my life, reading this book was like looking in a mirror and getting a hug at the same time. I read it in a single sitting. It’s a very easy read and so so SO well written.Matt perfectly describes depression and anxiety with anecdotes and figurative language. I usually don’t write in books, but I found myself underlining and taking notes like I was having a discussion because these topics hit the nail precisely on the head.It was really touching to read about how his wife supported him and gave me new perspective on accepting love from the people who love us.I’m giving a copy to my husband and recommending this to everyone whose life has been touched by mental illness in any way.Matt, if you’re reading this, thank you so much for for writing this book. What a beautiful way for me to start the new year having received and read this book on December 31, 2018.

For those trying to answer the book title, I would not recommend this book.I don’t know how it got so many great reviews!I haven’t finished it... I didn’t find particularly interesting reading lists ( famous people with depression, depression symptoms from the nhs website, “how to live” tips, which include potentially dangerous advice: no drug in the world will make you feel better than being kind to people(!) - and we are talking about a mental disease here , right?)I agree with other reviewers that point out the privileged position the author was living when depression stroke ... how about those with depression and not having the financial and emotional support he had? And those depressives with young kids to look after? And provide for ?I think the title should warn us that this book is a personal diary and not necessary a book that will help you feel happy.Finally, a book that really helped me to understand my depression and overcome it : Overcoming Depression , by Paul Gilbert

Highly reccomend to all sufferers or past sufferers of depression and anxiety. Having experienced bouts of depression myself over the years, I had a lot of “lightbulb” moments in reading about the authors experience of it and could relate to it. I have cried and laughed with this book and quite honestly didn’t want to put it down. It’s cleverly written to give a insight into how the condition can affect you but done where ever possible with humour. It has allowed me to use it as a tool to discuss the subject of my own depression with my husband by sharing specific pages and allowing me to open up to him about my current condition. Thank you very much to the writer for this incredible book.

An unconventional book perhaps calls for an unconventional review, albeit the book sits perfectly for an unconventional world. That this book can help to save people is a big understatement, and the words of praise that I have read on Twitter seemingly echo that.Let’s get one thing out of the way, I have depression; I have a teenage daughter with anxiety. This book helps me, and it will help her, and the most important part of this is that a writer has been brave, a publisher has been brave and the rewards are there to be seen. It is the most important thing that this book opens conversation.There is so much to praise about this book: its style; its prose; its brutal honesty; yet any emotion for this book will be nothing but personal for each one of us, and for me it has confirmed my thinking after years of neglect, it has strengthened my purpose and it has given me a proverbial pat on the back to reward my determination to actually physically get here, to this point, and write this.The detail and debate in this book, and the hints in which to lead a life while carrying depression, enrich my soul as well as making me want to cry. That egotistical side of me which always seems to want to put me in my place has just read something which my imagination has been telling it all along.Life with depression can still be a brilliant life; here’s a book to remind you.If you have depression or anxiety, if you live with or know someone who does, read this. Then perhaps read the next one and the next one. Thousands of people on Twitter agree.To ease the pressure of depression I watch favourite movies; I listen to wonderful music; I read and I delve into my imagination while taking a walk:I also now read Reasons To Stay Alive.

I can understand why this book has helped people who are trapped in the 'I am the only person feeling this' loop. The writer is searingly honest about his feelings and experiences. I think I was hoping for more understanding of how he rescued himself - more lessons to apply, more inspiration rather than just empathy.

I actually knew almost nothing about this book when I bought it. I am a book addict and in one of my Facebook groups there was a question that went something like “if you could only recommend one book to anyone ever again, what would it be?”. This book was mentioned more than once and had such strong positivity attached to it and long story short I just couldn’t resist. Normally I’ll buy a bunch of books and they’ll sit on my shelf for weeks, months, even years until I get around to it. But this one I actually picked up and read right away for some reason.I am glad I did. I’m not going to post an in depth analysis because it’s nearly 1am and I’m tired. But the bottom line is this: I grew up with a depressive. I am a chronic depressive myself. I supported my partner with a serious bout of depression 2 years ago. All our experiences have been entirely different to one another’s. Yet this book somehow brought that all together. It made me feel light. It made me feel good. I am in an okay place at the moment, but next time I slip away, I think this book will be a ray of light that pierces the darkness. I think everyone should read it (not just the depressed) and it will be top of my list for inclusion in care packs from now on. Thanks to the author for writing it.