The Odd Fact That Reading Save Lives

I was around five years old when I completed my first book.

And funnily enough, it made no sense.

Not because it was a child's book and they are general nonsense anyhow, but because it was actually a Shakespearean novel that I picked up solely because I liked the cover. The classroom assistants laughed and refused to help me read it, but I did anyway. (And boy, was it confusing.)

But nevertheless, sixteen years on (and many more understanding reads of Shakespeare later), I couldn't live without a book.

It is dramatic, I know, I am a dramatic person. However, it is the truth.

When I say reading saves lives, I don't mean it physically.

For example, even your best hardback is NOT bulletproof.

What I mean to say, is that a good book can make you escape your pain, and an educational read could help you rescue others from their pain too.

Have you ever felt that low?

You know, the kind of low where you sit in your room alone, you cry, you scream, you consider if your life is really worth that much stress?

And now, have you ever read that really good book? The book where you read a few chapters then suddenly there's that one line. That point of no return. That moment that you delve headfirst into the book and like Alice down the rabbit hole and you're in it. You are the antagonist. You are the hero. You are the narrator. You are the book?

(Becoming Harry Potter is awfully daunting.)

Because I have.

I have more books than anything else in life and I read like I breathe, but there have been times when the world is rough, my mind is dark and my heart hurts, but I pick up a book, enter a whole new world and forget my troubles. It isn't permanent, but for the time I spend in that book—everything is okay.

(Because does it really matter if you're broke when Voldemort is trying to fight you or you're being hunted for a magical ring? I thought not.)

And then there's the release of emotions.

If you spend forever bottling up each little thing that hurts you, you will eventually explode.

So, no matter what anyone tells you—crying is good.

Tears are simply liquid woes and they're good to free from your soul—trust me.

And in the end, when you feel better, even if just for a short while, doesn't it feel good? That weight off your heart, that light in your mind? It may still be heavy and dull but it's better. And any sign of things getting better is a sign that things will be okay—even if it does not feel like it.

Of course, there are your friends, family, strangers, etc too.

And when someone you know is hurting, it not only is difficult to watch, but awful when you begin feeling their pain too.

But when they're struggling, there are signs.

That tweet they wrote? That instagram they liked? That photo that they pinned? Perhaps that article they shared or the book you saw them nosying at in Waterstone's last week? They are all signs.

NO ONE DOES SOMETHING WITHOUT A REASON.

(Your best friend didn't retweet that because she wanted to retweet something, it's because to her, it matters.)

You must read into it, really. Especially if you have any growing concerns.

I mean, if your friend's brother tweeted a sad face and then in the next breath liked an article regarding depression and anxiety, doesn't that raise alarm bells?

No matter who, no matter what. If it worries you, the chances are you have the right to be worried. Nothing good is ever worth panicking over.

So, when times are tough, (which they will be at one point or another), never feel like you're alone. Even if the world around you is busy, the world in your book is free to listen to your heart, your mind and your soul.If you're worried about someone, reach out, be there. Help them.

We are our own worst enemies, because our mind is a creative and wicked place. Don't let our thoughts tear us down.

We're stronger than that.

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Just to add:

This blog article in no way indicates that reading a book will change everything. Of course, reading, music, drawing, writing, gaming... they all can have positive factors in our lives and help us in little ways. But if you are in a bad place, if you are feeling low, please speak to someone. There are people out there who are happy to listen. You are not alone.

1 in 4 people suffer with mental health issues such as depression. Around 450 million people (who.int) suffer and you may be one of them. So, before you feel like the world doesn't understand you, before you feel like giving up, please talk to someone. Reaching out will help, I promise you.

If you want to speak to someone anonymously, there are many roads you can go down (nhs.co.uk):

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn't have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information.

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.

Bullying UKis a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.

Or if you're from over the pond, you're able to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 (USA).

(If you're from any of the other wonderful countries in the world, please research any helplines in your country, they can really make a difference.)

Please, hold tight, it can only get better.