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Living Better

How I Learned to Survive Depression
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( 1,353 ratings, 109 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Living Better by Alastair Campbell explores the author's personal journey with mental health, focusing on his battles with depression. This candid and insightful book combines his experiences with practical advice and reflections, aiming to offer hope and strategies for those facing similar challenges. It's a powerful narrative on managing mental well-being and seeking a balanced life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you are interested in an honest and insightful exploration of mental health challenges and recovery. Alastair Campbell shares his personal experiences, offering practical advice and inspiration for anyone seeking to understand and improve their own mental well-being.

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Living Better

'This book could save lives' STEPHEN FRY Alastair Campbell's honest, moving and life affirming account of his lifelong struggle with depression

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Living Better is Alastair Campbell's raw and compelling memoir, charting his lifelong battle with depression. More than just a personal reflection, this book is a thorough exploration of the intricacies of mental health, combining autobiographical insights with psychological and psychiatric analysis. Campbell delves deep into his childhood, examines his family dynamics, and lays bare the ups and downs of his professional and political life, from his time as Tony Blair's spokesman to his current status as a prominent mental health advocate.

Last Christmas, I almost killed myself. Almost. I've had a lot of almosts. Never gone from almost to deed. Don't think I ever will. But it was a bad almost.

With unflinching honesty, Campbell shares the moments of his deepest despair, but also his tireless quest for understanding and recovery. Each chapter weaves personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the nature of depression, offering insights into various treatments and coping mechanisms. In his narrative, Campbell confronts the question of whether his achievements are due to, rather than in spite of, his depression, painting a picture that is both painful and hopeful.

We all know someone with depression. There is barely a family untouched by it. We may be talking about it more than we did, back in the era of 'boys don't cry'—they did, you know—and when a brave face or a stiff upper lip or a best foot forward was seen as the only way to go. But we still don't talk about it enough. There is still stigma, and shame, and taboo. There is still the feeling that admitting to being sad or anxious makes us weak.

It took me years, decades even, to get to this point, but I passionately believe that the reverse is true and that speaking honestly about our feelings and experiences (whether as a depressive or as the friend or relative of a depressive) is the first and best step on the road to recovery. So that is what I have tried to do here.

Living Better is not just a memoir; it is an empathetic guide, a call to arms, and a testament to the power of resilience and love. Campbell's candid prose is as direct and driven, clever and candid as the man himself, providing readers with not only a deeper understanding of depression but also the hope and strength to confront it.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Living Better by Alastair Campbell is a deeply personal and honest account that explores his lifelong struggle with depression. Reviewers highlight its raw and revealing nature, offering valuable insights and practical advice for those dealing with mental health issues. It's praised for being both touching and informative, providing hope and understanding to readers. The book is seen as both a memoir and a self-help guide, making it profoundly moving and relatable.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529331837

Publisher: John Murray Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: John Murray Publishers Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 230g

Pages: 320

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About the Author

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. A former 'Mind Champion of the Year', he is an ambassador for several mental health charities. In November 2017 he was awarded an honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in recognition of his role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness.

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