Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Good October 2, 2008
I bought this when I began my second long term absence from work due to Depression. This time I decided to approach my illness with acceptance, and learn something about it, tell my friends and family, and perhaps educate them a bit.
I enjoyed the book, it can be read in a few minutes which makes it an ideal book to hand to people who don't understand Depression. I found my self almost laughing in agreement with some of the pictures.
My only complaint is I thought the last few pages almost trivialised the illness for me, thinking from my own experiences of a lifetime with Depression and the daily struggle. I also find it mildly patronsing, in almost the 'get a grip of yourself' way, for me I'd want nothing more than to be able to do that. Perhaps that's simply my interpretation through Black Dog eyes, but that's how I felt after the last few pages, the rest was fine, and for that reason I've been reluctant to give it to my friends and family, and why I've given it a lower mark.
 if you suffer depression gices this book to family and friends September 29, 2008
I have suffered depression for years but have found it hard to describe or explain to anyone who has not had this condition. This book helped liberate me and let family and friends understand me more fully.
They say a picture paints a thousand words and this is true of this book. It doesn't sanitise depression or sensationalise it but rather shows how most of us who live with it, well, um, live with it.
I have read other text books on depression which are great but for family & friends this is the one they should read.
This book has become my friend July 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am just recovering from my latest 'depressive episode' and wish I had found this book earlier. Instantly puts into images the feelings I have being suffering from and not able to describe myself. This book is so small and light-weight I can carry it anywhere, I find it an enormous help to read whenever the dark thoughts come. This is exactly what you need when your concentration is low, 10 minutes cover to cover and instantly feel lifted.
A light in the darkness... June 26, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I don't suffer with depression, but I lived for many years with a partner that suffered with depression. Someone recommended this book to me, and it has helped me to understand so much. Every picture just jumps off the page, and I can see so many of the problems he had. This book is brilliant, brave and touching. I loved it.
Simply the best June 21, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have little to add to previous reviews. I'm a very verbal person, not very visual. But when I'm deeply in my depression I can't concentrate long enough to process ideas properly. Someone gave me this book and the simple pictures touched me as words couldn't. I felt understood. The way in which Andrew Johnstone simultaneously externalises and owns his depression - it's a black dog that takes you over, but at the same time it's one you've got to learn to accept and live with - is to me the best way of thinking about it.
I've lent this book out many times, including to a couple of clinical psychologists and a consultant psychiatrist, and they've all loved it. Please do buy or recommend it for anyone you know who has a black dog of their own, or who is close to anyone with one.
|
