Your Depression & Me...

By Daniel Hagen

A million people all over the world suffer from depression. This psychological illness not only saps the affected person of all their energy, it often paints their world inky black. Despondency, despair, shame and sadness become constant companions – like a horrible, vicious and spiteful black dog.

More often than not, as family member, partner, friend or colleague, you find yourself absolutely helpless in the face of this illness. It was the same thing in my case – and still is. Following my wife’s diagnosis, I suddenly found myself facing a challenge that seemed a bit too overwhelming to describe in words. I started to write a kind of journal, which gradually developed into this ‘guide for the loved ones of a person suffering from depression’.

What I want to achieve with these words is essentially something selfish: I’m helping myself by going over this whole story. I’ve written down situations and incidents in which her black dog pisses on us and behaves as if it were the driving force in our daily life. I’ve written down how I deal with such situations, how I react to such phases – sometimes badly and sometimes a bit better, sometimes with courage and sometimes without, sometimes out loud and sometimes quietly. And, finally, I’ve made a note of what works, what helps us and me. And what perhaps might also help other people in similar situations. How I can help my wife in giving that wretched cur a piece of her mind and send it back to its little crate. And how amidst all this I try to stay positive and cheerful, to celebrate the here and now.

The suggestions given by me here are not based on professional medical knowledge. I’m not a psychologist, physician, or shaman. I’m a companion who wishes to share his experiences and insights with other companions.

I hope with all my heart that I’m able to help you (and your loved one) a little with this small book.

Keep on walking!

Daniel

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Dec 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667421803

Book preview

Step 1: Get your facts right!

This was, in fact, the first step that I took when after many years we finally called the beast by its real name.

Winston Churchill’s metaphor for this psychological illness – for that is exactly what one fights a running battle with – was a black dog that always followed him. I found it fantastic! I love dogs. It’s easier for me to give my wife’s depression a definite face through this negative connotation of an otherwise lovable four-legged creature. To me, Joanne K. Rowling’s versions – the Dementors – were too mighty and powerful. And I personally lack the creativity to think up an apt character for this illness myself. So, the black dog it is. And it’s one nasty, capricious and smug little piece of shit. Please excuse the expletive, but it had to be

Reviews for Your Depression & Me...

[Bhumika CD · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderfully insightful yet delightfully simple read for the 'companions' accompanying their loved ones on their enervating journey through depression.