Matt, you're not arrogant for writing this book or sharing this video at all. It's so, so important that people raise awareness of mental health issues like depression and I'm sure your words of wisdom will help, not only people who are suffering with depression and anxiety, but also those who know someone who is suffering and don't know how to relate to them. It's tremendously brave to put yourself out there and let people in. I'm sure you're far too humble, but you should be immensely proud of yourself. :)
+Matt Haig I bought your book when I was depressed (along with 'Start from where you are' and 'Self-Made Man'). I started reading your book when I was just realizing the truth of my life and started relating to everything you have said in the book. This took me back to where I earlier was (no offence and I am not blaming you). It is when I read your book that I realized what I was having (excessive sweating, heart racing and other symptoms) was a panic/ anxiety attack. The only reason I am reading your book again and hoping I will be back out of this and live again is your words (and my words when I was getting out) - "You will get out of this and live and the joy of living will be more than the pain you are experiencing now. Crests and troughs, crests and troughs, that is what life is". I hope I will be something greater than what I have expected my life and myself to be. I hope there will be a day when I meet you and thank you personally for your book.
I've just started reading your book, and I love every word of it. I'm currently experiencing symptoms and everyday I just hurt. I've been going through some stuff and it's hurting a lot. But your book has been helping me keeping my head above water. Thank you for writing this. Thank you.
NEVER be ashamed of having depression or anxiety. It needs to be talked about as much as possible. It is not a weakness and should never be treated as one. You having written this book will help people.
You did a very good thing writing this book. I have found that the most important thing is to talk openly about what a person is feeling and experiencing. That is what is missing: the dialogue, open dialogue. It is crazy that we don't talk about mental illnesses openly because so many experience it or know someone who has or is! There is fear of judgement but we know from all the talk shows and people sharing their personal stories is that there are many people who are very appreciative and grateful that someone has spoken out openly and honesty. People crave honest and open and non-judging dialogue. It's worth talking about why there is a lack of a safe place to feel okay with talking about what we are experiencing and openly. When one person speaks about it others feel great relief just to hear or read the words of others. They feel less lonely and feel understood. That is a great gift to give another person. There is a great need to feel accepted, heard, and validated - and safe. // I hosted a support group over 12 years ago and one of the missions I had was to de-stigmatize by normalizing mental illness and to encourage people to seek help when they need it. Life is naturally full of ups and down and many are missing community and support and a safe place to share what they are thinking and feeling - without judgement. The life of the well is very focused on success, achieving, etc. and in that there can be judgement of others who are not on that train. Plus, people judge themselves and measure their worth according to others achievements and ways of being. Non-judgement, empathy, and compassion for self and all others is what alleviates further unnecessary suffering when someone is already dealing with illness.
Matt, this book was one of greatest books I've ever read. The Humans is my all time favorite book. Please continue to write inspirational books, fiction and non-fiction. You are an inspiration for me, as one of my goals would be to write a book and it become published. I hope one day I can meet you to thank you in person for your amazing books.
Thanks Matt, I'm in one of those periods at the moment where I can only see suicide as the way out. I'm just trying to let myself off the guilt and pressure to get better immediately, and listening to videos like this does help a bit.. so thanks and hope you are well today also x
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book. For sharing your story. For bringing hope to those who suffer with depression and anxiety. You truly are a remarkable person xxxx
Its so hard and rare for me to find a book I would truly enjoy reading without skipping pages or take too long with no excitement of continuing. Its really a great book I think everyone should read.
Your book is amazing, I loved it so much! Thank you so much for writing it! It was a lifesaver when I was at my worst! :) So... thank you so much! I can´t even thank you enough... THANKS!
Thank you Matt - I have seen this several time and have shared this with my son who just watched it with me again. Six years ago aged 22 he attempted suicide. Thank the gods he survived. And I recognize so much of what you say from what my son has told me - bottom line, that it is an illness - an invisible illness and like alcoholism it never quite leaves you. Yet as you say, with a thinner skin, you can really appreciate the magnificence of life. Can't wait for the book. A big fan too of The Humans - a magnificient, funny and perceptive book.
OMG Matt, I just came across a link on FB about this book and was curious, so I searched here on YT. Depression is no joke, nor should it be ignored. I love the way you think and Thank you for reinstating my love affair of books again!
Thank you! This is the first book I've read cover to cover in a long time and I read it at the book store in a couple of hours and then bought it so I could remember your words in case I forgot or had an episode. I really needed this. Thank you!
Matt, for the first time in my life at age 29 I experienced depression and anxiety on my HONEYMOON in sri lanka and was in a crisis. I pulled through the honeymoon trying to force a smile and there were many moments when I was truly happy there but many where i was petrified and felt horrific!!! it scared the living day lights out of me!!!! Since getting back I've felt better each day but as you know such an experience changes us forever. Your book has made me feel liberated ny shame has been lessened and I know I'm not alone. THANK YOU!!
I have never read a book by myself never been interested in it till I read yours. I too struggle with depression and anxiety, so it helped me “excape” reading it. So thank you.
I read your book reasons a few days ago and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm seventeen I wish I read it 4 years ago. I think I might give this living thing a shot. It might turn out good in the end. Thank you so much.
I just got your book on my kindle, I have heard so many good things about it, and gosh I feel like I really need it at this point in my life. I know you don't promise miracles, I'm not looking for any. But I feel like I really want to have some mutual understanding with an author when I'm reading their work, and with this book I feel like I will.
Wonderfully honest and insightful book which is easy to digest and just makes sense - I heard the audio book which makes it even more real as it's read by the author - very inspirational even for those who just have some bad days
Feels really weird listening to these words after reading what I think is probably the best book on depression I think has ever been written. I think this book should be mandatory reading for all healthcare professionals
The only thing I don't like is terming someone or ones self as 'a depressive ' that lays some sort of judgment of ones character.Its not helpful at all to the stigma. As we know it is an illness or state that you suffer from , if I have Cancer or some other illness I am not a Cancer nor am am I a depressive I suffer from the illness
Pls can you explained this quote How to stop time: kiss How to travel in time: read How to escape time: music How to feel time: write How to release time: breathe
So much for your hounding of Katie Hopkins in wake of Manchester attack May 2017. Saying the things you have I would have thought you would be more mindful, but it is all me me me. I too have had awful depression that still pervades, but sorry people like you who virtue signal disgust me, I am a free speech absolutist! But now you have your pound of flesh. One last thing Matt, have you ever thought that Katie was only in past year in hospital having an operation on her brain, no jokes but this changes people's mental acuity. I appreciate the general topics discussed and I applaud you to quite an extent for being vocal on this particular issue. Anyway you return to pontificate about Katie Hopkins being an extremist for caring about dead little girls, you are way out of wack.
I do not suffer from clinical depression, but I have a friend who does. For years I remained engaged with him on a daily basis, both creatively and personally, and now the only thing that has changed is our relationship is ruined and I am emotionally drained. I understand the victim is him but after hearing the same emotional nightmare repetitive negative sad stories over and over again for eight years it eventually took its toll; on me and my marriage. I feel sorry for him but at least now that I am detached I can breathe again. I am not a family member but I know from this experience that he has had the same draining effect on them too. I never understood why he wouldn't at least bathe or shave or show a little pride in his appearance. I kept hoping he would treat strangers with far less hostility than he displayed. I encouraged more therapy, but he only dug his heels in deeper and refused to budge. It's sad but eventually a person has to do what is best for them or risk being destroyed too.
Matt, you're not arrogant for writing this book or sharing this video at all. It's so, so important that people raise awareness of mental health issues like depression and I'm sure your words of wisdom will help, not only people who are suffering with depression and anxiety, but also those who know someone who is suffering and don't know how to relate to them. It's tremendously brave to put yourself out there and let people in. I'm sure you're far too humble, but you should be immensely proud of yourself. :)
Thank you.
+Matt Haig I bought your book when I was depressed (along with 'Start from where you are' and 'Self-Made Man'). I started reading your book when I was just realizing the truth of my life and started relating to everything you have said in the book. This took me back to where I earlier was (no offence and I am not blaming you). It is when I read your book that I realized what I was having (excessive sweating, heart racing and other symptoms) was a panic/ anxiety attack. The only reason I am reading your book again and hoping I will be back out of this and live again is your words (and my words when I was getting out) - "You will get out of this and live and the joy of living will be more than the pain you are experiencing now. Crests and troughs, crests and troughs, that is what life is". I hope I will be something greater than what I have expected my life and myself to be. I hope there will be a day when I meet you and thank you personally for your book.
I've just started reading your book, and I love every word of it. I'm currently experiencing symptoms and everyday I just hurt. I've been going through some stuff and it's hurting a lot. But your book has been helping me keeping my head above water. Thank you for writing this. Thank you.
NEVER be ashamed of having depression or anxiety. It needs to be talked about as much as possible. It is not a weakness and should never be treated as one. You having written this book will help people.
Well said
You did a very good thing writing this book. I have found that the most important thing is to talk openly about what a person is feeling and experiencing. That is what is missing: the dialogue, open dialogue. It is crazy that we don't talk about mental illnesses openly because so many experience it or know someone who has or is! There is fear of judgement but we know from all the talk shows and people sharing their personal stories is that there are many people who are very appreciative and grateful that someone has spoken out openly and honesty. People crave honest and open and non-judging dialogue. It's worth talking about why there is a lack of a safe place to feel okay with talking about what we are experiencing and openly. When one person speaks about it others feel great relief just to hear or read the words of others. They feel less lonely and feel understood. That is a great gift to give another person. There is a great need to feel accepted, heard, and validated - and safe. // I hosted a support group over 12 years ago and one of the missions I had was to de-stigmatize by normalizing mental illness and to encourage people to seek help when they need it. Life is naturally full of ups and down and many are missing community and support and a safe place to share what they are thinking and feeling - without judgement. The life of the well is very focused on success, achieving, etc. and in that there can be judgement of others who are not on that train. Plus, people judge themselves and measure their worth according to others achievements and ways of being. Non-judgement, empathy, and compassion for self and all others is what alleviates further unnecessary suffering when someone is already dealing with illness.
Matt, this book was one of greatest books I've ever read. The Humans is my all time favorite book. Please continue to write inspirational books, fiction and non-fiction. You are an inspiration for me, as one of my goals would be to write a book and it become published. I hope one day I can meet you to thank you in person for your amazing books.
Thanks Matt, I'm in one of those periods at the moment where I can only see suicide as the way out. I'm just trying to let myself off the guilt and pressure to get better immediately, and listening to videos like this does help a bit.. so thanks and hope you are well today also x
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book. For sharing your story. For bringing hope to those who suffer with depression and anxiety. You truly are a remarkable person xxxx
I can't put into words how much this book has helped me thank you so much I feel less ashamed and less lonely xx
Its so hard and rare for me to find a book I would truly enjoy reading without skipping pages or take too long with no excitement of continuing. Its really a great book I think everyone should read.
Your book is amazing, I loved it so much!
Thank you so much for writing it!
It was a lifesaver when I was at my worst! :)
So... thank you so much! I can´t even thank you enough... THANKS!
Thank you Matt - I have seen this several time and have shared this with my son who just watched it with me again. Six years ago aged 22 he attempted suicide. Thank the gods he survived. And I recognize so much of what you say from what my son has told me - bottom line, that it is an illness - an invisible illness and like alcoholism it never quite leaves you. Yet as you say, with a thinner skin, you can really appreciate the magnificence of life. Can't wait for the book. A big fan too of The Humans - a magnificient, funny and perceptive book.
OMG Matt, I just came across a link on FB about this book and was curious, so I searched here on YT. Depression is no joke, nor should it be ignored.
I love the way you think and Thank you for reinstating my love affair of books again!
So beautiful. Thank you 💕
Thank you! This is the first book I've read cover to cover in a long time and I read it at the book store in a couple of hours and then bought it so I could remember your words in case I forgot or had an episode. I really needed this. Thank you!
I love your book so much, i love the way you wrote it its amazing.
At times reading your book has felt like my own lifestory. Thank you😉😂
Matt, for the first time in my life at age 29 I experienced depression and anxiety on my HONEYMOON in sri lanka and was in a crisis. I pulled through the honeymoon trying to force a smile and there were many moments when I was truly happy there but many where i was petrified and felt horrific!!! it scared the living day lights out of me!!!!
Since getting back I've felt better each day but as you know such an experience changes us forever.
Your book has made me feel liberated ny shame has been lessened and I know I'm not alone.
THANK YOU!!
your book literally saved me on so much levels and helped me to overcome so many things i can't thank you enough
You are such a nice man, Matt.
I have never read a book by myself never been interested in it till I read yours. I too struggle with depression and anxiety, so it helped me “excape” reading it. So thank you.
Half way through your book Matt. Nice easy read and loving it so far 😊
I read your book reasons a few days ago and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm seventeen I wish I read it 4 years ago. I think I might give this living thing a shot. It might turn out good in the end. Thank you so much.
I was very moved by your reading Matt. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Your experience with depression I really appreciate that
I just got your book on my kindle, I have heard so many good things about it, and gosh I feel like I really need it at this point in my life.
I know you don't promise miracles, I'm not looking for any. But I feel like I really want to have some mutual understanding with an author when I'm reading their work, and with this book I feel like I will.
Wonderfully honest and insightful book which is easy to digest and just makes sense - I heard the audio book which makes it even more real as it's read by the author - very inspirational even for those who just have some bad days
I've found your book extremely helpful, Matt! xD
Feels really weird listening to these words after reading what I think is probably the best book on depression I think has ever been written. I think this book should be mandatory reading for all healthcare professionals
Reading the book currently and I love it! ~ N
I want to read this book.
The only thing I don't like is terming someone or ones self as 'a depressive '
that lays some sort of judgment of ones character.Its not helpful at all to the stigma.
As we know it is an illness or state that you suffer from , if I have Cancer or some other illness I am not a Cancer nor am am I a depressive I suffer from the illness
thank u for the 'self help' poem that brought me here
what is Matt Haig's blog and how can i find it please?
I sound similar to you Matt ADHD ASD Panic disorder anxiety and depression.
Pls can you explained this quote
How to stop time: kiss
How to travel in time: read
How to escape time: music
How to feel time: write
How to release time: breathe
Hey MATT thanks , for amazing books
fucking love this book
So much for your hounding of Katie Hopkins in wake of Manchester attack May 2017.
Saying the things you have I would have thought you would be more mindful, but it is all me me me.
I too have had awful depression that still pervades, but sorry people like you who virtue signal disgust me, I am a free speech absolutist! But now you have your pound of flesh.
One last thing Matt, have you ever thought that Katie was only in past year in hospital having an operation on her brain, no jokes but this changes people's mental acuity.
I appreciate the general topics discussed and I applaud you to quite an extent for being vocal on this particular issue.
Anyway you return to pontificate about Katie Hopkins being an extremist for caring about dead little girls, you are way out of wack.
I do not suffer from clinical depression, but I have a friend who does. For years I remained engaged with him on a daily basis, both creatively and personally, and now the only thing that has changed is our relationship is ruined and I am emotionally drained. I understand the victim is him but after hearing the same emotional nightmare repetitive negative sad stories over and over again for eight years it eventually took its toll; on me and my marriage. I feel sorry for him but at least now that I am detached I can breathe again. I am not a family member but I know from this experience that he has had the same draining effect on them too. I never understood why he wouldn't at least bathe or shave or show a little pride in his appearance. I kept hoping he would treat strangers with far less hostility than he displayed. I encouraged more therapy, but he only dug his heels in deeper and refused to budge. It's sad but eventually a person has to do what is best for them or risk being destroyed too.
How is your friend now?