I Had a Black Dog

"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."
~ Written on 2008-07-06

"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."
~ Written on 2008-06-26

"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. "
~ Written on 2008-06-21

"I have a library of books about depression, a condition I have battled with for more than 20 years; this is, by far, better than most of the literature I've read. I have given copies to friends who are both professionals in the field and lay people. I have NEVER had such positive comments about a book. A couple of professionals have gone to the trouble of writing to me - this book, they commented, really gave them an insight into how depression feels for their patients and clients, especially that there is not always a precipitating factor - it's just there. I wish I'd had something like this when at my worst - it's unusual format makes it very accessible even on the very worst of days; at least one page can be managed!!! And, of course, anything recommended by Stephen Fry must be good!! "
~ Written on 2008-05-16

"The comments written by Stephen Fry, probably sums up this book better than i could ever put into words but this book i have found to be very practical not only for myself but my partner who is also my carer and friends who know me but didn't really understand what it is like to be a sufferer of depression, as the 12th page of the book says we are very good at concealing our illness and it is something that i have done for many years and mainly for the reasons quoted in this book, and i have great admiration for Matthew Johnstone for putting this book together and would happily recommend it to anyone who suffers and is living or in close contact with someone with depression to read it as it gives a very good insight to what having the BLACK DOG is all about."
~ Written on 2008-03-05