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Depression was a major part of Winston Churchill's life, and he used the phrase ‘Black Dog’ as a euphemism when talking to family and friends. Sometimes when I

Depression was a major part of Winston Churchill's life, and he used the phrase ‘Black Dog’ as a euphemism when talking to family and friends. Sometimes when I feel the negative emotions come to me (every few weeks / months), I think about that and I think about just walking alongside the black dog. It helps to remember that.

thesagan 10y ago
Same for me, I try not to fear my black dog, my good 'ol friend. Instead I try and take it as a sign that I might have some growing to do, or some grieving to finish, or that some change is needed and that I should start thinking of possibilities for that. I become introspective. My life, and most other peoples' lives, have seasons, and those seasons can add meaning in very strange ways that are difficult to replicate without enduring a dark storm every now and then. (Sorry for the metaphors, I'm not a great writer.)
- Neeek 10y ago
  > I might have some growing to do, or some grieving to finish, or that some change is needed and that I should start thinking of possibilities for that. I become introspective. This really resonated with me, going through it right now and I've always had difficulty expressing it adequately to the people around me when they ask.
ada1981 10y ago
Often, depression is actually an avoidance of the underlying emotions -- very often anger. Unexpressed anger goes inward and is directed toward the self, which becomes experienced as depression.
- artifaxx 10y ago
  Where did you read this? I am sure I am not the only one here who would love to read more to get a better idea.
- xvedejas 10y ago
  Is this an accepted psychiatric phenomenon, or just some Freudian bullshit?
  - kough 10y ago
    > implying there's a difference
  - jschwartzi 10y ago
    Insofar as a therapist with a psychology degree has said OP's words to me, it's accepted by some professionals.

thesagan 10y ago

Same for me, I try not to fear my black dog, my good 'ol friend. Instead I try and take it as a sign that I might have some growing to do, or some grieving to finish, or that some change is needed and that I should start thinking of possibilities for that. I become introspective. My life, and most other peoples' lives, have seasons, and those seasons can add meaning in very strange ways that are difficult to replicate without enduring a dark storm every now and then. (Sorry for the metaphors, I'm not a great writer.)

Neeek 10y ago
> I might have some growing to do, or some grieving to finish, or that some change is needed and that I should start thinking of possibilities for that. I become introspective. This really resonated with me, going through it right now and I've always had difficulty expressing it adequately to the people around me when they ask.

ada1981 10y ago

Often, depression is actually an avoidance of the underlying emotions -- very often anger. Unexpressed anger goes inward and is directed toward the self, which becomes experienced as depression.

artifaxx 10y ago
Where did you read this? I am sure I am not the only one here who would love to read more to get a better idea.
xvedejas 10y ago
Is this an accepted psychiatric phenomenon, or just some Freudian bullshit?
- kough 10y ago
  > implying there's a difference
- jschwartzi 10y ago
  Insofar as a therapist with a psychology degree has said OP's words to me, it's accepted by some professionals.