When we talk or think about ending our life, it is not our life we are tired of, we are tired of our existence, the never-ending problems, pain, and the suffering attached with our life.Īnd I believe anyone of us, who thinks of ending his/her life must have gone through the same thought process of ending his life a hundred times before actually doing it. Since you have stopped by my post, I will make sure I try to give you enough reasons to hold on for a little longer. I know how hard it must for you or else you would have not ended up reading this blog. If you want to read the words of someone who has seen and understands the difficult days, as well as the most beautiful days, this is the book for you.If you are someone searching for reasons to stay alive, let me share 50 reasons for you to hold on. Whoever you are, it will almost definitely resonate with those who live with these illnesses and enlighten those who don’t. Affirming, brave and honest, but never self-indulgent or ‘depressing’. It’s a fairly short read, too, with some chapters only a couple of pages long, but it speaks volumes. Whilst it may feel dark at times, it is told so beautifully that it can provide hope for any kind of reader. I think it is important to mention that you don’t need a mental illness or diagnosis to benefit from reading this book. I almost wish I got the hardback edition as it is a book I will always return to for reference or inspiration. I was offered a level of understanding that I have never felt or found elsewhere, something I never thought I’d find in the pages of a book. Within the pages I found a friend, a confidant and a therapist. It is something I have always found difficult to put into words and because I often choose to go it alone. Whilst I have had some dark moments, anxiety has been a more frequent companion of mine. I’ll be honest (as Haig was so eloquently honest in his book) it isn’t always easy to comment on something which relates to you so personally, but it is hard not to shout about a book that makes you feel so heard and understood.

If you want to read the words of someone who has seen and understands those difficult days, as well as the most wonderfully beautiful days, Matt Haig has got you well and truly covered. I’m not sure if it was his uplifting take on depression or calming approach to anxiety which kept me reading but I can say with confidence that I’ve never read a book that manages to communicate all those feelings and emotions almost perfectly. Now, I appreciate a book review for Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive in 2021 is perhaps redundant given that it was released over 6 years ago, but if, like me, you’re late to the game, stop what you’re doing.

It is not until summer arrives that I pull myself away from work and catch up on those reading recommendations, which is my excuse for not picking up Matt Haig’s phenomenon any sooner. I am what I describe as a ‘fair-weather reader’.

The reason to stay alive