I had a black dog, his name was depression.
That’s what this video is called.
I found this via Mental Health Works. It’s a video commissioned by the World Health Organisation, and it was written, animated and narrated by the very talented Matthew Johnstone (he’s an Australian artist and public speaker, and you can find more of his work here).
It’s really lovely, very eloquent and amazingly well done. And it’s less than 5 minutes.
But the biggest reason I’m sharing it is, what it does visually is basically everything I’ve tried to express verbally in my last couple posts: How to recognise depression: the 3 signs you can’t afford to miss and How to recognise depression (part 2): some more signs.
Like I always say, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth ten thousand!
Okay, enough talk. Check it out for yourself:
What do you think?
Meanwhile, get ready for a new post before the week is out: I’ll be telling you about some of the unique aspects of depression as far as we Nigerians are concerned. You might be surprised to know a thing or two. (By the way, have you signed up to be notified of new posts yet? No? What are you waiting for?) 🙂
Have a delightful day.
PS. It’d be great if we had something like this tailored for us, no? Maybe in pidgin? I’d like to know what you think of that, too…
It will take super human strength to come to the realization of what depression is doing to one and another dose to decide to walk out of it.
You’re right, Funmi, it does seem that way. In a sense, though, it’s a strength that we all have, so if it’s superhuman at all, I’d say that’s when people who offer support, yeah?
I tried for many years to make my black dog leave me, but no success. After that I tried to avoid, to ignore him, but he was always here just following me everywhere.
Today he’s here again but it’s much more easier. My secret? I painted him white.
Matthew Johnstone hits the nail straight on the head. Thanks for sharing, Ayo
Wow. I never would’ve guessed. But then again, you probably knew that already, no? I’m really glad you’re where you are now, my friend.
And I love your idea of “painting him white,” even though I’m not sure exactly what you mean by that… Would you explain?
“The black dog is an equal opportunity animal” – How true!
Thanks Doc. God bless you.
Oh, and you might be onto something big with the whole indigenous video idea. Have you considered pitching it to say the WHO or other international health organisation reps here in Nigeria?
God bless you too, Busola. Thanks for stopping by. About the video, no I haven’t quite thought that big, but that’s definitely an idea!
Black dog…….depression 🙁
It’s pretty tough, right, Toemee?
[…] It’s not true because two of history’s most acclaimed national leaders, Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, struggled for years (including during their leadership) with depression. (Churchill even had a name for his: he called it his “Black Dog.”) […]