Winston Churchill famously suffered with crippling bouts of depression. He was frequently confined to his bed, his energy depleted and his appetite lost. It was Churchill who likened the illness to a black dog.

Since then, the expression has been used by the mental health charity, Sane, and their great work of depicting depression as a black dog is synonymous with the all-encompassing symptoms that many of us suffer with.

But what can we do when the black dog of depression unclenches its teeth? When it gives us the rest bite of a sunnier disposition?
When depression confines us to our dwellings, or forces us to work on auto-pilot, the happier feelings may not be all that long lasting.

In myself when the black dog eases, I feel physically lighter as though shackles have been removed. It feels as though the sun is warmer. It’s when possibilities and positivity come back into my thoughts – I feel like I’m awake as opposed to existing in a numb trance.

Yet many of the reasons that cause my depression won’t go away. I carry many life changing angsts that I can niether control nor resolve. So when I’m not feeling numb I am aware that the black dog could drop back by, at any time and with no notice.

I try to stock pile or culture (as though making yoghurt) things that keep me upbeat or energised. My hopes are that, by doing this, I have sort of fortified myself in an attempt to stave away another visit…

One of the first things I do is to pop some make-up on and do my hair – and I’ll make a concerted effort to contact a friend – even though I perhaps tell them of my feelings retrospectively, at least I am talking again!

The surprising aspect about candid conversations, where we dare to be brave and truthful about our feelings, is that it’s contagious! People we talk to want to share their inner thoughts and we find out that more of us than we think are visited by the black dog.

So next time the black dog of depression unclenches its hold, try to do a few things which lift your energy. See if you can stock pile them, as I try to. Even if it’s simply meeting a friend for a chat, you may find that these moments can help keep you energised when the black dog visits.