Black Dog of Depression - can we help each other?

System

hey all, how are you?

am well and truley stuck with the black dog of depression right now, i'm struggling. i just don't know if this is a crisis. am plagued by very dark thoughts. not good

veggyboy

Hey MessedUp

Easier said than done, but dont give into the thoughts. I am not in a happy place right now, struggling to maintain my temper, I feel so "arghh" that I can't find the right words. But we are all here rooting for you.

whitevanwoman

:hello: Hello everyone, and especially Lame Wolf, thanks for the thread.

Just dropped in as I've had a big black cloud hanging over me for a few weeks now, this is a regular thing, first diagnosed about 15 years ago but been told I was probably depressed as a child.

However, I do have to say that the title of this thread made me smile (so thanks for that - a rare occurence at the moment). The reason is because it is my own black dog which has got me through my depressions over the past few years - quite literally. He is a 6 year old collie cross labrador cross staffy and he is the most loving, affectionate, smart and full of character creature you could ever hope to meet. He gives me the most important thing that any depressed person could ever hope for - total unconditional acceptance and affection. His antics can make me smile even on the worst days, his hugs give me comfort and his concern, when I am upset, gives me the kick I need to try to pull myself out of it a little for his sake.

At the moment I am not being a very good owner as he is hardly getting any exercise but he does not make me feel guilty and seems to just accept that this is the way life is at the moment. His enthusiasm for life in general picks me up and I can honestly say that I really don't think I would be here if it wasn't for him.

So whilst I understand why it feels like your black dog is biting you in the backside at the moment, I hope that you'll understand how my black dog has literally been a life-saver.

black_paw

whitevanwomen... my brother has black lab like your so loving i go there often not to see them but her , she wakes me in morning with paw and kiss . she is a darling, then the 2year triplets get to greet me ! they que up behind her waiting .makes you fill happy for a while

whitevanwoman

It's the small things sometimes which can make such a difference. Remember that happy feeling, bottle it up and store it away until you need it, then bring it out for a little boost to help you get through a difficult day.

Licks and woofs from my (big!) black dog to all those who need them x

black_paw

and mega hugs to all as well

veggyboy

Fortunatly I have a greyhound, laziest dogs in the world, so not up to walking much, which is good for me as I can't walk that far. But boy do they love cuddles.
Hope everyone has a better week

LameWolf

Hello folks. Welcome to the thread, Whitevanwoman.

Sorry I've been away for a few days - been a tad under the weather (to put it mildly - didn't dare move more than 5 feet from the bathroom yesterday).

I have a "proper" black dog staying with me for the next week; she belongs to a friend of my husband, and we've got here while they're on holiday.

I have to say, she got me through a miserable time yesterday - thought I might be coming down with piggy flu, but a bit better today, so thankfully it wasn't.

Veggyboy, I've heard of greyhounds being referred to as "4o mile an hour couch potatoes".

I've been out on my mobility scooter this morning, to take Molly-Dog for a walk, which was good.

Will light a candle later on, in hopes of chasing everyone's dark thoughts away, at least for a bit.

veggyboy

Lamewolf, glad you are starting to feel a bit better, have fun with Molly-dog.

I think I may start to feel a bit better after Wed, back at the hosp for talks about transplant and result of latest op.
Will light a candle myself tonight, if we all do maybe we can light the world up for all of us.

dane-katie

Hiya everyone, can i join in?

Been suffering with depression badly for 3 years but at the moment seem to be doing *ok*.

I can feel myself slipping back down, doctors dont help, crisis team doesnt help and im kinda stuck as to where to go, has anyone any ideas?

They all dont want to help me because i have been able to resist the dreams, voices and thoughts telling me to kill myself or hurt myself, i dont think i can for much longer it gets too much!

AAARRGGHHHH sorry need to shout lol fed up of doctors not listening