BOOK REVIEW: Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Genres: Nonfiction

I often say that, mental health is as important as the physical one. Understating out mind with a clarity is what we need. To understand our mind, we must have knowledge over the illnesses or the disease that may effect it. In simpler words, Matt Haig’s Reasons To Stay Alive is account of man’s struggle with depression. Reading about depression and anxiety helps a lot, both consciously and unconsciously.

This account of Haig’s struggle through depression when he was just twenty four and living in Ibiza tell us how depression made him see the world around him, the present and the future, but most importantly how it made him see himself. It is beautifully written and at times heart-warmingly funny, in a way that allows its readers to resonate completely with his personal experience.

Depression, I feel, is more than a mood swing. Technically it is a mood swing. I think it should be considered in serious terms as an illness just as one might take any physical or other type of illness that is not mental. There are ‘n‘ number of things that can cause it but since one has got only life, and it is better to live your life, instead of focusing and worrying about the causes. It is hard, I agree, but it is possible to some extent. 

The book is written in simple terms about the mental health and its issues. Through the chapters a reader will come across different areas of illness and recovery that provide a wise attitude towards the consistent ups and downs of life. Statistics often come in between especially about the suicide rate that is highest amongst men under the age of 35. I found it a great way to promote and let people understand that mental health diseases just as any other diseases can be resolved.

4 out of 5