Customer Reviews

Living with a Black Dog: His Name Is Depression

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

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?).

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.

What an incredible way to view depression...I will never look it the same way again...a must read for anyone who has been bitten, or knows someone, bitten by the black dog!!!

Quick and to the point read and I liked how they gave depression a form "BLACK DOG" (the other self). CUTE

This is such a great book explaining depression in a way that's easy for people to understand. I have had depression for years and bought this book to give to family and friends who just don't seem to get it. It is in the format of a child's picture book but that's part of what makes the book so informative - the illustrations along with the text are a perfect description (in my case anyway) of this illness. I highly recommend this book!

This book is a glance at the world of people who suffer from depression, for me its a light, as when i am depressed its something to look at to make me feel less overwhelmed as when i am there i do not want to read or watch tv or do anything, but because this is a picture book it easy to flip through and feel less alone, its wonderful for friends and family to read to help understand how you feel, and i love that the end is really the beginning, Thanks. Kat ;-)

This book is spot on. Very helpful. Short and informative of what depression does to a person.