We need, ultimately, to be able to view mental health with the same clear-headedness we show when talking about physical health. Matt Haig clearheadednesshealth Change image and share on social
Keep reiterating, again and again, that depression is not something you 'admit to.' It is not something you have to blush about; it is a human experience. It is not you. It is simply something that happens to you. Matt Haig admitblushdepression share on social
We often joke about men moaning about being ill, whether it's man flu or anything else. We want them to be silent and strong about these things. And that's quite dangerous when it comes to depression, because talking about it helps. People bottle it up until it's too late. Matt Haig bottledangerousdepression share on social
There are two types of friends: actual friends, and the other kind. Matt Haig actualfriendkind Change image and share on social
You have to be good. And keep getting better. For every writer taken on, another is dropped. A paradox: you have to rise to stay level. Matt Haig dropgoodlevel Change image and share on social
If you are an atheist as I am, Shakespeare can be your ideal. Everything is within Shakespeare, especially in his 10 greatest plays. They have life, meaning, understanding, the whole lot. Matt Haig atheistgreatideal Change image and share on social
Books should be right up there with exercise and diet as something that don't just entertain us but heal us. They tell us we are not alone and fix the pieces of us that can be shattered by reality. They are teachers, and they are friends, and we should never contemplate a world - or a life - without them. Matt Haig bookcontemplatediet share on social
I think Father Christmas is real because the belief is real. The belief becomes the reality. Matt Haig beliefchristmasfather Change image and share on social
Depression is a horrible, potentially life-threatening illness - but the lives it threatens are almost always those of the people who suffer from it. Matt Haig depressionhorribleillness Change image and share on social
I have never felt oppressed by women or that feminism is a problem. I do think boys find it hard to like things seen as feminine. I want my son not to feel self-conscious he likes ballet and my daughter to carry on playing Han Solo; that's all. Matt Haig balletboycarry share on social