Depression is a highly misunderstood condition of the mind. People who suffer from it often have to deal with the ignorance of those around, besides the condition itself. They are often told to “cheer up”, “think about something else” and “look at the bright side” instead of seeking professional help because their very real illness is mistaken by many to be an attitude problem. The truth is, depression is a severely debilitating, even fatal, condition that affects hundreds of millions of people across the world.
British novelist Matt Haig was one of those people. At the age of 24, he fell prey to depression and suffered through a grueling period of misery, hopelessness and suicidal tendencies. Nearly two decades have passed and today, Haig has not only recovered but also built himself an admirable career as an author. In his award-winning memoir Reasons to Stay Alive, he tells the story of how he made it through such a difficult time.
If you have ever been depressed in your life, or if you have supported a loved one through a dark phase, you might know that a person who is suffering from the condition is not always open to advice. Their mind may be so clouded with misery that they might dismiss the idea that relief is possible. They might steadfastly refuse help and choose to stay in the darkness. Or they may simply feel that they are misunderstood by everyone around them. When they are in such a frame of mind, even bestselling self-help books may not have an impact on them.
This is where Reasons to Stay Alive differs from your regular self-help book. Divided into sections namely Falling, Landing, Rising, Living and Being, it sketches the author’s path to recovery in a very informal, free-flowing manner. Haig reflects on his own experience with a touch of wry humour. In an honest yet not-so-grim style, he narrates everything from the time he was fired because of his depression to his attempt to kill himself.
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