Living with a Black Dog: His Name Is Depression

By Ainsley Johnstone and Matthew Johnstone

Book Overview

A compassionate illustrated guide to understanding depression, using the powerful "black dog" metaphor to help people living with depression--and those who love them--recognize, communicate, and cope with the experience.

One in four women and one in six men will suffer from depression at least once in their life. Few are immune. It was the greatly admired Winston Churchill, a depression sufferer for much of his life, who nicknamed this human condition "Black Dog."

In Living with a Black Dog, author and illustrator Matthew Johnstone's spare text and poignant illustrations give visible form to experiences that can be difficult to explain, including isolation, stigma, self-doubt, exhaustion, loss of interest, and the fear that others will judge or misunderstand what is happening. Johnstone, a depression sufferer himself, delivers a moving and uplifting insight into life with this unsavory companion. Even better, the book shows the strength and support to be found within and around us to tame this shaggy beast and ultimately bring it to heel.

Johnstone's book doesn't pretend to have all the answers. It doesn't resort to simple "dog tricks" for dealing with depression. But Living with a Black Dog does deliver understanding, hope, and the assurance that Black Dog days are not forever.
UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION: A clear, compassionate visual portrayal of what depression can feel like from the inside POWERFUL BLACK DOG METAPHOR: Memorable illustrations make difficult emotions and symptoms easier to recognize and discuss FOR PEOPLE AND THEIR LOVED ONES: A useful conversation starter for individuals, partners, family members, friends, and caregivers HOPEFUL AND PRACTICAL: Explores seeking professional help, communicating openly, managing stress, movement, reflection, and other coping approaches PERSONAL, NOT CLINICAL: Created from Matthew Johnstone's own experience, with a foreword by psychiatrist Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute and Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at UNSW
Keep this book close as a reminder that depression can be understood, talked about, and managed--and share it when words are difficult to find.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0740757431
• ISBN13: 9780740757433
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Understanding, insight and fun

Mathew Johnstone's tiny book has captured depression with a lightness of touch that enables him to poke fun at our 'friend' whilst very much acknowledging it's power. Great to share with anyone who'd benefit from understanding the dog (who wouldn't?).

Give this book to your friends and relatives

After investing ten minutes reading this creatively illustrated little book, your friends and relatives will at long last understand the frustrating, and at times disabling, experience with which many of us struggle. They will learn that it is nothing like just being sad, and realize it does not reflect an inherent character flaw. If you have "depression" (a woefully poor descriptor IMHO) you are already too familiar with the picture that Mr. Johnstone paints. But it is still worth reading and rereading if for no other reason than to reassure yourself that you are not alone. Ten dollars may seem $$$ for a ten minute read, but this is a profound little book that one can meditate upon for hours.

'Not till we are lost do we begin to find ourselves'

This is a beautiful book, worth owning for the author's illustrations alone. In 48 pages (which ends with 'The Beginning') Matthew condenses insight,advice and inspiration. Those of us who suffer with depression will understand exactly what Matthew Johnstone is talking about, both in words and pictures. Those who do not will see a glimpse of the world through the eyes of those who live with depression. I'm seriously considering having a copy in my office to use the illustrations as flash cards when it is just too hard to explain mood. NOTE: The title of the book within Australia is 'I had a Black Dog' Highly recommended. Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Wonderful book

This book puts into pictures and words what often can not be described. Many others who have struggled with depression will recognize the "Black Dog" and perhaps be amazed at how similar their story is. In addition, this book can be shared with loved ones to help them understand what it feels like to live with depression. This book is not only informative, but in the end it also offers hope.

Great book about depression and how to overcome it

This is a wonderfully illustrated and well-written book about the experience of being depressed. The author builds on Churchill's metaphor of the "Black Dog of Depression" in a way that is both humerous and insightful. Anyone who had ever been depressed could benefit greatly from reading this book and following the author's suggestions about how to manage and recover from depression.