Sometimes i feel like i have a black elephant.

I remember watching videos like this, or commercials for antidepressants when I was younger and thinking, " oh how silly! That will never be me!" A couple of years later the "black dog" came ringing my door bell and life just hasn't been the same.

This made me cry so much. It's important for people to know that depression is not merely feeling "gloomy" or "under the weather". It's an awful, awful illness that makes you feel scared of everything and everyone, of going to bed, getting up, meeting people or staying by yourself, and makes your heart as heavy as a stone and your life devoid of all pleasure.

When I first watched this video years ago. it made no sense to me. till I got a black dog of my own.

An incredibly accurate visualisation of depression and generally my life at the moment. A few months on medication has made a very noticeable and welcome improvement for me and I'm in the processes of arranging therapy. As always, IT doesn't get better. YOU get better.

The worst thing about depression it is that the worse it gets the more you desperately want and appreciate the things you can no longer feel like love, memory, friendship, imagination. As it get's worse you can only reflect the opposite of what you want. When all you want is a friend no one want's to talk to you because there is nothing left inside to talk about. When all you want is love all you feel is bitter, when all you want is your mind back you can't even put two damn thoughts together.

This made me cry. What a beautifully illustrated depiction of what can be a pretty ugly struggle. Thank you for sharing.

This made me cry.

Depression cost me the love of my life. I hope that all the people who are suffering in silence get to see this video, and recognise how important its message is.

This is so incredibly accurate. The black dog deprives you of your ability to feel hope. And when a human doesn't have hope, it's lost.

This helped me look at my depression in a different way. I also have an actual black dog who helps me too.

@KizzyyB

8 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Seek help where? i have no one to speak to when i feel depressed and sad i go to sleep. Going to sleep with my anxiety and depression, burning heart, jealousy. People only think you are a weirdo if you open you heart.

I cried. I have always had a hard time explaining to someone what it feels like to be depressed. Now I'll just direct them to this video as it portrays depression perfectly. Thank you.

when I suffered from Depression I hated I was depressed but my recovery started when I admitted it, accepted it and went to the doctors. I'm a head strong person and I didn't want to take medication. So I started doing thing's I never usually did and I soon started to feel better about myself. I used to ride 20 miles a day and it helped me. Riding 10 miles 1 way and 10 miles back everyday for 3 months I free'd my mind and I soon recovered. The first step for me was accepting and admitting, the next was excising and forgetting about what brought me down. I hope this helps, even if it helps only1 person.

I did not expect this to affect me the way it did. I'm sobbing right now. This was just. My god.

@artbytitir

8 жыл бұрын

***** Ah. Well you should do whatever gives you any joy.

The part about being devoid of feeling altogether... I'm really glad that was brought up.

To those with negative feedback or comments. ... are you really helping... or are you part of the problem?. What happens if this video gave someone a breath of fresh air an epiphany about their life, and then looking through the comments finds your negativity and feels weird because somthing you just slammed had helped them for even just a moment. congratulations you may have just ruined that persons day by putting a cloud back above their head.

Once you get through depression,you are the strongest person you can become.

Plot twist : Dogs actually help fight depression !!

@WarudoWitch

8 жыл бұрын

+Elena Bojadzieva when they are depression?

I just got out of the hospital after stay there for over a week because of suicidal thoughts caused by my depression. They played this video I cried like a baby. It’s like someone had hacked into my brain and made a video about this terrible illness. Please remember no matter who you are. You are not alone and there is help out there. Don’t let it wait until you hit rock bottom like I did.

Black Dog is the main character of my life,not even me.No point of it,I just wanna die..Never reached anything yet.

WoW! A mental health specialist gave me this link. It talks about me as a person. I'm 43, totally alone as I push everyone away. I can't work and some days I wonder why I go on. I am incredibly irritated about the most trivial things and find humans the most irritating. I am so sensitive and get hurt easily. I crave love and attention in my life but am so used to being on my own. I know things have to change. What a fantastic video.

Most nights i wake up before 0400, and i just wait for someone to knock on my door with bad news. Sometimes i don't pick up mail for weeks and some days i never go outside my apparment. I go to work and i act all normal. I smile and i laugh, and that is the few moments i don't have a black dog biting my arm. I'm at my most happy when i'm out with friends or with my family. But i self medicate with alcohol, but no one notices. This video made me cry. It makes me realise that i need to start doing something about it. The black dog in my life can be the biggest beast in the world, and a calm life partner. I will never get rid of him completly. But maybe we can work together.

This brought tears to my eyes

Remember “I had a Black Dog, his name was depression” KZread video? This video and many others uploaded on the WHO #KZread channel (kzread.info) have now received more than ONE MILLION views. One million THANK YOU for the views, comments, likes and shares. Tell us - which video is your favorite?

'get help'-they say. But help doesn't exist. Unless you can AFFORD it.

This breaks my heart. I feel so terribly sorry for anyone with depression and I wish that I could help them. :(

Get well soon guys. When you hit rock bottom the only way is back up! And you will get there 🇬🇧

i wish there were people to help me

@jimboslice3451

8 жыл бұрын

there is buddy keep looking and trying I'm going through the same!

@tommytravels2508

8 жыл бұрын

+tyler cursed there are!

This is actually a pretty good description of my experience with depression except I my black dog kept on telling me the world would be a better place if I was dead and that I deserved to suffer.

I remember watching this video a long time ago. Years ago I believe, when I first began middle school. It was a very tough time for me and it was also the time I was first getting to know mental illnesses, something I never heard of much or focused on. Not only was it a reality for others, but I believed it was starting to become mine. Every night I would cry, but I could get up the next morning and be just fine, it was never anything too serious, but just like everyone I had my issues. However, through the times I was genuinely sad I would think back to this video and it's analogy. This clip really does hold a place in my heart for how true and down to earth it is. I am now in my sophomore year of school and only now I have experienced how it's like to be such in immense pain where it threatens your life, where you struggle to do even the simplest of things. I fell back with my grades, yet still passing, but this quarter has been my worse and I would be failing my classes. I'm constantly up and down with my feelings and I don't understand myself many times, yet during the moments where I pondered suicide I always knew there was a reason why I'm still alive in that moment and I know there's a reason I'm still alive now. Deep down in my heart I know life is beautiful and that we must all find the one solution to hate, love. Your genetics may give you the tendancy to be depressed, your hormones may influence your conditions, but your conditions can also influence your hormones. Love is the asnwer to everything in the end. Search for the people that touch your heart, that will send your soul flying across time and space. In the end, the most beautiful things outrun time. It is never too late to start living. I know this sounds ridiculous coming from a 15 year old but we all have something to learn from everyone. I remember a poster in my guidance counselor's room that read "tough things don't last, tough people do". Take that pain you have and create something beautiful out of it. It's okay to cry. Cry, and then move. Cry about how much you hate your job, cry about how you feel so alone, cry about how he or she left you, cry about how you've been abused and mistreated, cry about terrible everything has been, cry about how alone you feel. Let all of those feelings sink in. Go ahead and listen to your sad music, go ahead and drain your heart and soul into writing that poem about how much you hate your life, then when all those tears have fallen, when you are finally sick of the sadness that compels you, stand up and move on. I know not everyone has the strength to do so, some are in tough situations, but if there's a way in there's a way out. I know it is hard to do things on your own, that is why I am here telling you these things. Life goes on if you do, the Sun and Moon constantly alternate for a reason. After rainstorms there is sunshine, after tornadoes there are clear skies, after all these terrible things people are brought together by struggle. The sadness is not permanent, but only a change in weather. You may not exactly control it but you can forecast these events and withstand it. Keep going and going, there's a reason you're still breathing.

The black dog caused my grades to become really bad, but with the help from all the people in my life, I got the big black dog to leave me alone. He's still there sitting in the corner staring at me sometimes and I know he wants to come back for me, but by ignoring him, he knows to stay away now. My grades are back up again and my life is so great without the black dog

Thank you for this wonderful video. It is the most misunderstood condition. A fellow sufferer who cannot even get out of bed today and sees no reason to keep going anymore.

I had depression, so I got a dog. Helped me greatly

"Keeping up an emotional lie is eqausting" You could've not been more precise my man 👏👏👏

Trust yourself... If you really can't fight it, ask some help. Now, we have some therapies that works.

I have suffered from depression all my life and this is a very good analogy.

I think I am in love with whoever wrote this video. I don't mean "in love" but in love with how he/she took depression and explained it so beautifully, artistically and truthfully to the world. This is such a beautiful video, and I sincerely thank you.

A simple and concise explanation of what it is like to live with depression. Never easy.

This video is absolutely inspiring for anyone who suffered through the dark days of depression. Being a former victim of "The Black Dog" I believe watching this video during those days would have made a world of difference. I hope anyone that ever went through and are currently going through depression have an opportunity to watch and share this video. No matter how bad it gets, it always passes provided you take the right steps. Good luck and much love to everyone :)

I use to watch this video when i got my downs and it always helps me in a strange way. Thank you.

Watched this years ago when my depression first began. Turns out my black dog was bipolar disorder, among other things. It wasn't easy to tame, and we're still trying to work things out, but now I believe what I heard in this video that I never thought I would: Any black dog can be taught to heal.

This video made a grown man cry. I've been crying in secret for over 35 years. The stigma for a man my even be that much worse. Easily brought to tears can be a symptom of depression. My objective mind knows that I have not too many reasons to cry. I also had TBI and was in a coma for two days. It is much easier to make that my #1 problem because it is documented and the communication deficits and seizures in he aftermath known. Depression is very serious and has been the biggest problem. TBI is also serious for me. But the latter not the former at least gets me less stigma.

I resigned because of my black dog in 2003. Like yours, mine liked a drink or two or three, or more. A few years ago I had to phone a friend from a car park, not because I was drunk - but because Id forgotten how to drive. I had forgotten how to be in control & was too scared to try anymore. The same friend told me something someone had told her "it will pass - it wont last forever" - that gave me hope. I still struggle, but my dog is in my lap - not blocking my life. Have hope.

It makes me sad...its so relatable

Been with my black dog for 5 years now, back and forth, I always come back to this video. Sometimes I want to leave him behind, but now I learned to live with him and pay attention to him once or twice a week now.

I've watched this video before and needed it again tonight. Thank you Matthew Johnstone for putting it into words.

How can people even dislike this?

This is a nice video to help people who live with depression and to make everybody understand how does it feel to struggle with this illness. Congratulations!

Thank you for this video on the Black Dog . I have my own problems a lady asked me if Id seen it and I said I hadn't seen the Black Dog Video. I watched it today twice and it made me cry. I hadn't realized how it could one be so sensitive and how well it described myself. Thank you Nicola.

this is an amazing way of describing depression to those who have trouble fully understanding it - it helped my friends to see what I was going through. Thank you so much

This is EXACTLY how I felt in my 2 last years of high school until I saw a therapist who really helped me. It's the best video I've seen about depression. I never really could explain how I felt and what were my feelings at the time, but this video is really accurate. Thank you WHO!

I often come back here to help myself get through the day. I don't have many people to talk to, so it's almost as if I'm talking to someone. Not having the support to get through depression is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It's like bring dragged through a line of gasoline, while you're on fire, and the things pulling you are your ambitions to be a good boyfriend, be a good friend. It's to be the best person, so the people around you can't tell that you are suffocating inside. I mean, who wants to be friends with someone who can barely breathe? Who wants the burden to take care of someone who can barely stand on their own two feet? No one owes me this, so I feel asking for it is rather selfish.

This is the BEST video/information I have ever seen on depression. I have battled depression all my life and this video couldn't explain it any better. And it does it in a way that is easy to understand. Thank you for creating it... I have no doubt it will help so many people!!!

The best video/text about depression I've ever seen by far. It says everything in a simple way, simplifying in words what's not really simple in feelings.

wow, this ad nails what real depression feels like. This is very well done and so true.

This is so real 😔

This bought tears in my eyes. Thanks for understanding

I went to a doc before... she showed me this. While I love dogs, we need to see the details -not as a dog, but a representation of how we dealt with depression.

What a fantastic video - It's so hard to recognise other people feel the same way when you're feeling that low. Tough times this end, but this really helped..

This is such a perfect analysis of depression and a really useful video to show to people to help them understand what you're going through if you don't have the words to explain it

All of you who are questioning why the use of the term "black dog" should do a little research. Equating depression with having a black dog dates back to a quote from Winston Churchill. Those of you hung up on the analogy should step back and realize the importance of this video is not the use of the term, it's the effort to combat depression

this is actually brilliant, not only does it explain to people who suffer from depression how to over come and small step by steps but the people around them can also understand.

Every single time I watch this vid I start crying because it hits the point ... every day is difficult and I needed a long time to realize that my black dog will never ever go away... but Im learning to deal with it. Thx for this great vid - it also helped my relatives and friends to understand how I feel sometimes.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT-- this is the best description of what living with depression is like-- I have MDD (major depressive disorder)-- I shared this video with family, friends and my boyfriend-- it articulates it SO much better than I ever could... BLESS YOU for making this!

So incredibly relatable. Currently having the worst time of my life with Depression and Anxiety,feel so alone like it will never get better and i have no purpose in my life anymore. Keep trying to tell myself I can get better and certainly hope I will. This is hopefully a phase that I will get over as I hope all you will guys will aswell. Good luck to you all👍🏻

My mom says that I'm not have a "black dog", but I feel I have one and I'm so sad about it😞

It affects many of us, yet today still many people still hide it. Mental illness is as debilitating as anything considered 'physical'. It's time to put the taboos behind us and drop the stigma that's still attached to depression. We owe it to ourselves, and to those we love.

😢 i've felt every word

This is really inspiring, an interesting perspective... It's so important for people to watch videos like this because there aren't enough people who truly understand it, making it even harder for those going through it...

I could never describe it to people until I found this video. I can't thank you enough for making this.

As a coach and therapist myself I just want to say thank you for making such a fantastic video.... I have forwarded this on to so many people I know and have worked with and it has been an awesome help! Many people lives are better because you put the effort into making this video :) So again...THANK YOU :)

this sounds easy but is not

This is a beautiful video to help provide insights on depression to those who suffer and for loved ones who need to understand! Thank you for this.

Thank you so much on behalf all of us who have or had a black dog. So accurate, touchy and at the same time hopeful. Brought tears in my eyes.

What a really strong analogy of depression. A black dog. I now understand my own state of depression better.

Excellent video on depression. Describes it so well! Thank you.

I cry every time I listen to this as it's exactly how I feel

This video is the best way I have ever seen as to how depression feels as it weaves in and out of my life.

What really won me over was that pills didn't get a 'cure' status, I think that misunderstanding probably causes plenty of grief on it's own. I've also read a few articles that stated moderate exorcise can be as effective as medication. That's important to get out there, because it's something mostly anyone can do to help themselves beat depression, whether they can afford pills or not. Great stuff.

I wish I could download this video to my phone so I would always have it with me to watch and listen to. It's very powerful.

My sister just showed me this video and it made me feel better watching this video. I think I am going to watch this daily or at least everytime I feel down.

I know a lot of people with depression and I always ask what’s wrong and they always tell me it doesn’t work like that and now I understand, this video is amazing!

I have an actual black dog, and she’s the only thing that keeps me going from your analogy.

Very powerful. Thanks to those who produced this impactful video.

This is such an accurate video. It really helps people who are depressed to open up and get help at the same time can teach others about it

I love this video it captures exactly how someone feels with depression. It still makes me laugh and cry because it is spot on. Keep raising awareness and know nobody is alone.

Thank you for this little film with a really succinct and powerful message!!

I had a black dog. He helped me very well to get off of my depression just with his unconditional love and stimulating me to go for a long walk every day! His name was Bobbel and I miss him...

This changed my life, I also share this with people close to me. Thank you.x

I have lived with the black dog for all my life. I've always struggled to explain it to others. this video was super helpful for the people around me to explain to others what I was feeling. thank you.

This explains the whole deal. Thanks for making a video with such an easy metaphor. I guess I can show this video to my dearest friends and it'll easily explain why I'm so... Messed up sometimes.

I have a black dog that tries to follow me. But when I see him, I go to the gym and run a 5k (3.1 miles) and then he disappears. Running floods my brain with endorphins, so that I simply cannot be depressed. When you are so depressed and hopeless that you feel like running is the last thing on earth that you could do, then it's a sign of what you must do. Try it.

This helped give a name to my problem and helped give me the courage to finally seek help.

This is such a good resource, raising awareness and helping people to understand what it's like to live with depression. Thanks for sharing!

Its posts like these that bring the effects of depression out into the open. Only the affected person can help themselves but through people understanding what depression is really about is the key to helping someone through the worst times. I know, I suffer from depression but my black dog will eventually fade into the background...... I hope

I've watched this video so far for everyday for about 2 weeks.. The way that it just speaks to me is in-describable. Living and having to deal with a black dog, especially at 15 is really hard. I keep questioning "what is life"? What is the purpose of me even being here? And I have my moments where I'm happy as can be. I feel like I'm just disappointing my whole family and just pushing people away and looking to drugs for help.. this really sucks :(

Thank you for this. I've lived with it since I was a child and reaching out for professional help (psychiatrist and therapist) have helped me manage it for over 25 years now. I don't remember hearing that it got worse as one ages, but that has been my experience. I feel for those all over the world who struggle through each day with this debilitating disease. Brain chemistry is powerful.

This is such an incredibly powerful tool to help explain how people feel when suffering with depression/anxiety etc. It perfectly puts into words and pictures how I feel and why I do the things I do.

This video explained a lot. I heard of the term "black dog" from a friend in Australia who lost a family member to the black dog. The video made me well up inside. Prayer, exercise, proper eating habits, counseling and medication will help. We are not alone. Realize the insight and create a new day.