Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
After a close family member’s diagnosis of severe depression, I picked up Living Better: How I Learned to Survive Depression by Alastair Campbell, hoping to better understand what they might be going through. I expected something political or clinical, but what I found was far more human. Campbell, best known as Tony Blair’s former communications director, strips away the public persona and offers a deeply personal account of his ongoing struggle with mental illness.

From breakdowns and therapy to moments of clarity and relapse, Campbell explores his relationship with depression in brutal honesty. He balances self-reflection with political insight, showing how mental health affects even those who appear most in control.

✅ What I Liked:
he honesty hit me hardest. Campbell doesn’t sugarcoat or frame recovery as a simple journey. Instead, he portrays mental illness as something that ebbs and flows, something that can be managed but not magically fixed. His reflections on family, purpose, and identity feel both raw and hopeful. reminding readers that progress can exist even in small, quiet moments.

I also appreciated how readable it was. Despite tackling heavy themes, Campbell’s conversational tone and flashes of dark humour keep the book engaging and accessible.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
Some of the political sections, while interesting, occasionally drift from the emotional core of the book. They add context but may feel a little dense for readers less familiar with UK politics. Still, these insights show how deeply intertwined his personal and professional lives have always been.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, this book offers clarity, compassion, and hope. It’s not a self-help manual, it’s a reminder that recovery isn’t linear and that speaking openly about mental health can change lives. Campbell’s vulnerability helps break the silence surrounding depression, showing that even those in high-pressure, high-profile roles are not immune.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Living Better gave me a deeper understanding of depression, both as a condition and as a lived experience. It’s part memoir, part reflection, and part message of solidarity. Alastair Campbell writes with courage, candour, and heart.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ – A brutally honest yet hopeful read that helps you understand what living with depression really means.