I had a black dog, his name was depression

Nearly 10% of the world’s population is affected by anxiety and/or depression. Depression can affect people of all ages and is the leading cause of disability in the world. From 1990 to 2013, in under 20 years, the number of people suffering from it increased by almost 50%! While effective treatment for depression exists, it is shocking that less than half of those affected seek it.

In 2012, World Mental Health Day was dedicated to seeking support and treatment for depression and fighting its stigma. Under this banner, writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone and WHO released an animated video which tells his story of living with depression or, as he calls it, “the black dog”.

In this 4-minute-long animation, Matthew shares with the world how he managed overcome the problem and learn to live with depression. It is the story of how the fear of seeking help and being “found out” can slowly cause the illness to take over one’s life; but it also the story of how professional help can save a person.

In our constant effort to fight stigma and raise awareness on mental health, we want to share this sincerely narrated and colorfully illustrated video with all of you.

More information about Matthew and his books can be found on his website.

The follow-up book, “Living with a black dog” was made into a video in 2014. It is a short guide for partners, carers and sufferers of depression. As touching and as sincerely created as the first.

Don’t forget to share this post and join our efforts to end the stigma!