I had a black dog, his name was depression...

Well what do you know, check below video (context: this had appeared in my "Memories" area on facebook, 1 year ago exactly, 1 year and 1 day before this blog came to life) , i always knew was a game changer for me. It tugged on just about all of my strings, and made me emotional (not really hard at the time). But after watching, a few things seemed to click, my perception or indeed my ability to percieve things differently, started to change - This isnt an over night process, to summarise one of my quotes posted from earlier in this week "you cannot expect a drop of sweet, to change the bitter taste of an ocean"

This journey to recovery (although i prefer to use the terminology, understanding myself) spans further than you may be able to perceive. For example, in seeing this today, i'm reminded of just how far I've come.

Sure, im still on my journey, and no, its seldom ever easy, but each and every one of us has something to fight for, never discredit the little things, recognise each under its own merit, and take the positives wherever and however small they may be.

Moving forward one day at a time, taking the small victories and progress, one day at a time, this is very important. When you look too far ahead, or too far behind, you swallow up headspace that could be used to directly conquer how you are feeling NOW.

Live for the moment, you are never alone, no matter how intensely it may feel that way. Cultivate faith in yourself, accept you for who you are, accept there are things you cant change, then focus on the things you can.

My journey now takes a new direction, i am determined not to let my experiences and feelings to be in vain. The will be a new website and blog coming from me this year.

Below the video you will find my original post, from a year ago, when i first watched "I had a black dog..."

Stay Tuned. Nuff Love. S

I would encourage anyone who interacts with other human beings to watch this video... (its only a couple of minutes long)

It is very insightful and gives a good (as well as incredibly accurate) descriptive dialogue of what life is like as someone living/dealing with depression on a daily basis.

The personification of depression as "the black dog" (i think) is the key component in helping those who haven't experienced depression or those who have no exposure to, or very little understanding of what it actually is.

I believe it can also prospectively provide a critical element of understanding for those who have a loved one/friend who suffers with depression, and are often left feeling helpless. At the very least it can provide a basic understanding of the kinds of things that prey of the minds of someone locked into the depressive mindset.

If that understanding can be shown to someone with depression, and a relation made it may create a bridge for outward communication, which is step 1 in the road to recovery.

#smiffybummercamp #timetochange #itaffectsme #mentalhealthawareness