Living better

More about the book

Last Christmas I almost killed myself. Almost. I've had many "almosts," but never crossed the line into action. Living Better is Alastair Campbell's honest and moving account of his lifelong struggle with depression. This autobiographical work delves into his childhood, family, and relationships, examining how his professional and political life has shaped him and those around him. It reveals his relentless quest to understand depression through various treatments. The narrative is direct and candid, filled with both pain and hope, highlighting how his achievements have stemmed from his mental health challenges rather than in spite of them. Depression affects many, and while discussions have increased since the days of "boys don't cry," stigma and shame still linger. Admitting to sadness or anxiety can feel like a weakness, but Campbell believes the opposite is true. It took him years to reach this understanding, and he advocates for open conversations about feelings and experiences—whether as someone living with depression or as a friend or relative of a depressive. This honest dialogue is, he argues, the first and best step toward recovery.