CBR BINGO: Self Care Square
I’m not a big reader of “self help” books. Not to say that I couldn’t benefit from one. I’m Gen X and I think we tend to lean a little hard on self reliance with a dash of the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality. That isn’t necessarily healthy, so I thought I would try to tackle this square and broader my horizons a little bit. (Reason #5,674 on my why I love CBR Bingo list)
I loved The Midnight Library and really appreciated its approach to mental illness and suicide. Haig doesn’t disappoint in this non-fictional turn on the same topics. Here, he offers what he calls the “life rafts” he used to cope with depression and suicidal ideation: a series of notes, lists, poems and thoughts about his own journey. A pep talk for himself that might offer comfort to others who can relate to his struggles.
I am fortunate enough to not suffer from depression. Although, I have friends and family who do and I think those on the outside of it could also find comfort from this book and maybe a better understanding of what loved ones are going through. Obviously, everyone is different and mental illness is not stamped with the same cookie cutter. Haig is writing from is own experience but does a good job of balancing what he has overcome and what he still struggles with in a very approachable way that embraces the whole person:
And as we grow older it is good to keep tending to those unconventional parts of ourselves – the thoughts that buck the trend – because these are the parts that will keep us new and capable of surprise. They will stop us becoming a cover version of ourselves. They will help us become new songs.