A bestselling author has appeared on a regional publisher’s mental health podcast to discuss his own past depression.

Matt Haig, who wrote the Sunday Times number one bestseller Reasons to Stay Alive, joined the journalists who present Reach plc’s ‘No Really, I’m Fine’ podcast to talk all matters mental health.

HTFP reported on the launch of the podcast in March, which is presented by Cheshire Live live news reporter Gemma Sherlock, who was then working for the Liverpool Echo.

A new episode has been produced every day this week to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, with Matt appearing on today’s edition.

Gemma, pictured, said: “It was great having Matt Haig on the fifth episode of No Really I’m Fine.

“Matt discussed how he got through his depressive episode at 24 and explored the themes of mental health in his bestselling books, Reasons To Stay Alive and Notes On A Nervous Planet.

“Personally, Matt is someone I look up to. He is an inspiration to those who are struggling to cope with their mental illness as he has proven that you can beat the worst and come out stronger for it.

“I’m excited to share this episode with our audience, it’s a great listen and I’m sure many will identify with the issues we discuss.”

Episodes of the podcast can be found here.