Living with a Black Dog

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.