It may seem like stating the bleeding obvious, but depression is a truly horrible thing to go through, and in turn to have to live with. It changes everything, including your life, your personality, and your view of the world. A lot of people who suffer from depression actually attempt or even commit suicide during the first attack, because they cannot comprehend what is happening to them , nor do they know if it will ever end. I guess, therefore, that I was 'lucky'....I got through that first bout and sought help. But it would recur several times over the years, sometimes in minor attacks, sometimes a full blown savaging in the jaws of the Dog.
And on many of those occasions I did nothing about it....just suffered in silence while all around me nobody knew a thing about it. I became very adept at hiding and masking the depression, something which most specialists will tell you is both foolish and dangerous.
When the Dog came sniffing around the last time, September 2009, it came ravenous and with its teeth and claws sharpened. It was one of the worst I had ever experienced. It became too difficult to hide. It became too dark to avoid. In a fit of desperation I joined up with an online OCD forum, which did genuinely help. I should point out that I am not talking about the 'comedy' OCD that characters like Monica from Friends suffers from, but a more debilitating and harmful strain that dominates your every waking moment.
So....this online Help Forum really worked for me, but I promised myself that if (and indeed WHEN) the Black Dog comes a calling once more, next time I will not only use the Online forums, but also seek full medical and psychiatric help, no matter who knows about it. It really isn't worth disguising all that turmoil.
And so it was that I was gladdened to hear about the Mental Health charity SANE's 'Black Dog Campaign'. Backed by celebrities such as Rory Bremner and Stephen Fry, the campaign aims to give a physical embodiment to the 'Black Dog' and therefore to try and help reduce the stigma that has become attached to depression, and indeed all mental health issues. The campaign also hopes to raise awareness, especially to the families of those afflicted and create a greater understanding of the illness.To read more about the campaign, or indeed to get involved in any way, please visit their website here and, as you would expect, The Guardian have a splendid article about the capaign here
On a similar note, can I please direct you to The Black Dog Project; this is an Australian based website that encourages those who suffer from depression, or even just those currently experiencing a bad time, to express their thoughts and feelings through art, stories and poetry. Again, I cannot recommend this site highly enough, even if you are luck enough to never have been afflicted, as some of the poems, writing and artwork are just extraordinary.
And remember, a Black Dog is for life.....unfortunately!!~Gordon~
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