Reasons To Stay Alive

I feel it’s important to note that I don’t agree with the author’s view of depression as an illness just like any physical illness that befalls those suffering from it. The onset of his depression was definitive and dramatic, which might be the reason. There is a crucial piece missing in this book: The idea that anxiety and depression are usually trauma-based and healing needs to happen at the root. Haig’s idea seems to be more about managing anxiety and depression and less about healing them, which is sad. As well, the author liberally expresses his anti-pharma views, which didn’t jibe with me, because the field of medicine has much to contribute in many cases, and helps many of us do the work we need to do. All that being said, this book contains valuable nuggets of brilliant descriptions that truly resonated with me, as well as amazing quotes and ideas. He offers a very refreshing perspective of both anxiety and depression, highlighting a positive flip side — the qualities many of us have, not despite, but because of, our tendency for depression and anxiety.